Wednesday 6 July 2016 12:44, UK
Swansea have completed the transfer of defender Mike van der Hoorn from Ajax for an undisclosed fee.
The 23-year-old will strengthen the central defensive are where he will compete with captain Ashley Williams, Federico Fernandez and Jordi Amat for a place in Francesco Guidolin's side.
Van der Hoorn started his career at Utrecht, and won the club's Player of the Year in 2013 shortly before moving to Amsterdam.
Following his switch to Ajax, he won the Eredivisie title in his first season, making 43 appearances for the club in his three-year stay.
Van der Hoorn, who signed a three-year contract, is Swansea's second signing in as many days, following the arrival of Leroy Fer.
Van der Hoorn will vie for selection with Federico Fernandez, Jordi Amat and club captain Ashley Williams.
He revealed that he has been impressed with the latter's performances for Wales at Euro 2016, and that he consulted Fer prior to his transfer.
"I have to improve and be better," he told the club's official website. "I saw Ashley Williams at the European Championships. He's a really good defender, maybe I can learn from him.
"I spoke to (Fer) last Saturday - we have the same birthday - about Swansea. (He said) 'It's a real warm club, a family club, the players will be nice'. (It was a) quick response.
"This is the best competition in the world. I'm happy to be in it and can't wait to start. Maybe (we can win) the FA or Capital One Cup. That would be a nice achievement.
"(Swansea) play really good football for a Premier League club."
Meanwhile, the Swans have confirmed another of their central defenders, Kyle Bartley, has moved to Championship club Leeds for the season.
The former Arsenal youngster has struggled to establish himself in the top-flight after his switch to the Liberty Stadium in August 2012 and joins former Swansea boss Garry Monk at Elland Road.
