Barcelona completed the most exciting bit of transfer business so far this month by confirming the signing of Frenkie de Jong from Ajax on Wednesday. 

The 21-year-old midfielder has become one of Europe's hottest young prospects after breaking through at the Dutch club in 2016. 

It's been clear for a while now that Ajax weren't going to be able to hold on to their prodigy forever and this January, it's been more a case of 'where' De Jong is going, not 'if' he's leaving. 

Reports suggested that Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City both held a serious interest in the player - but a few days ago, Barca confirmed that they've reached an agreement for his transfer. 

De Jong will be moving to the Nou Camp in July after a fee of €75 million, plus a further €11m in possible add-ons, was agreed. 

The deal means that the Dutchman will finish the season with Ajax before fulfilling his dream of moving to one of the continents biggest clubs. 

The La Liga leaders will no doubt be pleased after securing his services, but they were made to work for it. 

A LOT OF INTEREST 

In a recent interview, De Jong revealed that he spoke to both PSG and Man City, with both clubs trying to convince him to move to either France or England. 

In fact, he revealed that City boss Pep Guardiola also made a personal approach for him - and that, for any player, is surely tough to turn down. 

But De Jong did so and ultimately made the decision to join Barca. And even though he got his man, Ernesto Valverde has voiced his disapproval at Guardiola's personal approach. 

DISRESPECTFUL TO AJAX 

"Talking to a player who is under contract with another team is something that can't be done," Valverde told reporters, per Marca

"You can't talk to a player who is under contract and that's something that isn't in my personal code but suffice to say, everyone has their own way of acting."

The Barca head coach appears to be taking a swipe at how Guardiola and City tried to conduct their business with De Jong and it's clear to see that he's not at all impressed. 

Still, it's Valverde who got the last laugh, securing the midfielder's services. On this occasion, the lure of Lionel Messi and co. outweighed that of playing under Pep.