Bournemouth have signed Netherlands defender, Nathan Ake, from Premier League champions, Chelsea, for an undisclosed club record fee, the south coast club confirmed on Friday.
? We’ve completed the signing of ?? international @NathanAke for a club record fee from @ChelseaFC!
➡ https://t.co/Z9BJmioJmB#afcb ? pic.twitter.com/PBIkaw1Gmi
— AFC Bournemouth ? (@afcbournemouth) June 30, 2017
“Nathan Ake has today completed a permanent transfer to fellow Premier League side Bournemouth,” the Stamford Bridge outfit also said in a statement on their website.
The 22-year-old made just 17 appearances for Chelsea since joining in 2011 and spent the first half of last season on loan at Bournemouth, where he scored three goals in 12 appearances, before being recalled by the London club in January.
“I had a great time here last season so I’m really happy to be back,” Ake told Bournemouth’s website of a move British media reported to be for a fee of £20million.
“It’s an exciting challenge… this is a new step and the right place for me to develop even more. With the help of the manager here I know I can keep improving and become a better player.”
Ake previously completed loan spells at Watford and Championship side Reading.
“I am delighted that we have completed the signing of Nathan on a permanent basis,” Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe said.
“Nathan is an outstanding young player with a fantastic attitude and a great desire to learn and develop.
“He has a very bright future ahead of him and I’m very pleased to say that future is here.”
Ake will link up with Asmir Begovic at the Vitality Stadium following the goalkeeper’s move from Chelsea to Bournemouth earlier in the summer.
“We wish Nathan the best of luck for the future and thank him for his contribution at Chelsea,” the Chelsea statement concluded.
