Transfer fee, potential add-ons, buy-back and sell-on clauses: Carlos Borges joins Ajax from Manchester City

Ajax and Manchester City have announced the completion of a permanent transfer for Carlos Borges from the Premier League to the Eredivisie.

The 19-year-old Portugal youth international sensation makes the move to the Netherlands off the back of one of the most remarkable individual campaigns in recent memory at the City Football Academy.

Having risen through Manchester City’s academy ranks, the 2022/23 season in the Premier League 2 division in particular was one of immense pride for the breakthrough teenager, as Carlos Borges recorded a staggering 21 goals and 11 assists in just 24 appearances.

However, Borges failed to make his senior first-team debut for Manchester City, and did not join the club on their pre-season tour of Far East Asia, in a clear indication that his desire for regular first-team football during the coming season was coming to fruition.

West Ham were understood to be leading the race for the teenage sensation, and at once stage it was widely believed that they would reach a total agreement with Manchester City, but Ajax stormed in to hijack the deal at the latest stage.

Now, following confirmation from both clubs, Carlos Borges has completed his move across the North Sea, and will be playing top-level Dutch football for one of Europe’s most iconic clubs next season.

Here is everything you need to know about Carlos Borges’ move from Manchester City to Ajax Amsterdam!

What are the terms of the Carlos Borges to Ajax deal?

Ajax have secured the long-term services of Carlos Borges for an initial transfer fee of €14 million, which could rise to €19 million depending on the activation of various bonuses and add-ons.

The 19-year-old has signed a contract at the Amsterdam Arena until the summer of 2028.

What clauses have Manchester City included in the deal with Ajax?

Manchester City remain invested in the future of Carlos Borges by retaining the option to buy-back the Portugal youth international for a set fee, while the Premier League champions will also be eligible to 20% of any future next transfer fee away from Ajax.

What has Carlos Borges said upon leaving City and joining Ajax?

In a short statement on Carlos Borges’ Instagram, the forward said, “It has been fantastic and unforgettable years! Thank you, Manchester City.”

In his first words to Ajax’s official club media channels, Borges said, “I’m very excited, I’m happy, and it’s a pleasure to be here.

“When I was getting told I was coming to Ajax, actually I was in Portugal and they said they had interest in me and they just spoke to me about the project and how they want me in the team and how I’m going to fit in and how they’re going to count on me – as a player, that’s what you want to hear.

“So I said, ‘Yeah, I think this is the right move for me’. I was a bit shocked, I was surprised but I’m here now so I guess it was true!”

Who else was interested in Carlos Borges this summer?

West Ham came the closest to beating Ajax to the signing of Carlos Borges, with the understanding being earlier in the window that the Premier League club were on the verge of completing a £14 million deal for the now-former Manchester City forward.

Alongside eventual winners Ajax in the race for Borges’ signature, the likes of Brighton & Hove Albion, as well as Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt, also held a level of interest in the player’s services for the longer-term future.

Elsewhere and Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth, and Southampton had also been credited with an interest in the teenager, as part of a lengthy list of potential suitors for one of the game’s most exciting prospects.

How have Ajax reacted to their new signing?

In a statement on the official Ajax Amsterdam website, it was outlined, “Ajax, Manchester City FC and Carlos Borges have reached an agreement on the transfer of the winger to Ajax.

“The Portuguese, who shall play using the name Forbs, signs a contract in Amsterdam that runs until June 30, 2028. Ajax will pay a transfer fee of € 14 million to Manchester City. This amount can increase to a maximum of € 19 million through variables.

“Borges has been playing in the youth academy of the English club since 2014 and played for the U21 team last season. With that team, he won the championship in Premier League 2, he became top scorer of the competition, and was crowned best player of the competition at the end of the season.

“The Portuguese youth international was born on March 19, 2004, in Sintra, Portugal. The player’s contract at the English champion ran until 2026.”

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Everyone at City Xtra would like to wish Carlos all the very best in his future!

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