Kluivert – Roma’s ‘statement’ signing

A number of top clubs were interested in signing Justin Kluivert from Ajax this summer, and according to Marca, the son of the former Dutch international Patrick was a statement signing for AS Roma sporting director Monchi in that respect.

Roma offer the young winger a proper chance of development while playing with relative regularity for one of Italy’s biggest clubs, which the Spanish media outlet believe was beyond what the likes of Real Madrid or Barcelona could do. His father, who scored 40 goals for Holland in his illustrious career and played for several big clubs across Europe, believes Manchester United wouldn’t have been a better choice for his son either.

At the tender age of 19, Justin is still behind Stephan El Shaarawy in the pecking order under manager Eusebio Di Francesco, but his time will doubtlessly come very soon. Apart from playing on the wings, he can deputize quite well as a centre-forward.

Before moving to the Italian capital, Kluivert made 56 appearances for Ajax and scored 13 goals in all competitions.