Man City transfer news: Citizens sign Dutch defender Philippe Sandler dubbed the ‘new Virgil van Dijk’
The 20-year-old joined from PEC Zwolle for a fee of £2.5million and he has expressed his joy at signing for Pep Guardiola's side
DUTCH defensive prodigy Philippe Sandler has revealed his joy at landing a dream move to Manchester City.
The Premier League leaders have paid PEC Zwolle a club record £2.5million for the centre-back, 20.
Sandler, dubbed the new Virgil van Dijk, will spend the rest of the season with Zwolle after being loaned back to the Eredivisie club.
The Amsterdam-born ace said: "It's insane that Manchester City have come in for me.
"They are possibly the best club in the world right now.
"I heard of their interest in me last week. They were serious, but I kept calm and prepared for PEC's game against Alkmaar.
"I don't yet know City's plans for me next season. They will depend on how I fare in the rest of the current campaign."
Zwolle boss John van 't Schip, who used to coach City's Australian sister club Melbourne City, recommended Sandler to the Etihad outfit.
SUMMER LOVIN Man City boss Pep Guardiola hints that he will move again for Leicester star Riyad Mahrez in the summer
He said: "I spoke to Txiki Begiristain, City's director of football, about Philippe.
"He can go on to become a first-team regular for them for many seasons to come."