Bournemouth sign Chelsea’s Nathan Ake for record fee

Bournemouth have signed defender Nathan Ake for a club record fee from Premier League champions Chelsea.

The Netherlands international, 22, had a spell on loan with the Cherries last season and scored three goals in 12 games before being recalled.

? We've completed the signing of ?? international @NathanAke for a club record fee from @ChelseaFC!

➡ https://t.co/Z9BJmioJmB#afcb ? pic.twitter.com/PBIkaw1Gmi

— AFC Bournemouth ? (@afcbournemouth) June 30, 2017

The fee, reported to be £20m, breaks Bournemouth’s previous record – the £15m paid to Liverpool for winger Jordon Ibe in July 2016.

Ake has signed a long-term deal and is the Cherries’ third summer signing.

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England striker Jermain Defoe signed on Thursday from Sunderland and Bosnia goalkeeper Asmir Begovic arrived from Chelsea in May.

Looking back to some great achievements during my six years at Chelsea. I would like to thank everyone at the club, my teammates for all they have done for me and of course most of all the fans for their amazing support over the years. Moving on to a next chapter now but grateful for all that I have learned here. Thank you to @keysportsmanagement #chelseafc #viimages #soccratesimages

A post shared by Nathan Aké (@nathanake) on Jun 30, 2017 at 12:19am PDT

Ake joined Chelsea in 2012 and made 17 appearances for the Stamford Bridge side. He spent the 2015-16 season on loan at Watford in the Premier League.

“I had a great time last season so I’m really happy to be back,” said Ake. “The fan haven’t seen the best of me yet.”

Ake, who moved to Chelsea from Dutch side Feyenoord aged 16, has two caps for Netherlands and made his debut in a friendly against Morocco in June.

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe said: “Nathan is an outstanding young player with a fantastic attitude and a great desire to learn and develop.

“He has a very bright future ahead of him and I’m very pleased to say that future is here.”