Real complete Rafael raid

Van der Vaart switch confirmed

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 4th August 2008

Rafael van der Vaart Hamburg

Van der Vaart: Dream move

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Real Madrid have confirmed that Rafael van der Vaart will be joining the club from Hamburg.

The Holland international had announced on Monday, on his personal website, that he was set for a move to the Spanish capital, but neither side had verified the deal.

However, German outfit Hamburg have conceded that the talented playmaker will be leaving them this summer, while Real have hailed his arrival.

The 25-year-old has agreed a five-year contract with the Primera Liga champions and will be officially unveiled at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday following a routine medical examination.

The financial details involved in the transfer have not been released, but reports in Spain suggest that Real have parted with around 13million euros (£10.3million).

Van der Vaart becomes the fifth Dutchman in Bernd Schuster's squad ahead of the 2008/09 campaign, joining compatriots Ruud van Nistelrooy, Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder and Royston Drenthe.

The former Ajax man is looking forward to joining up with his international team-mates, and has hailed the move as "a dream come true".