Spanish club Atletico Madrid secured a major transfer coup on Wednesday night when they completed the signing of Ghana midfielder Bernard Mensah, GHANAsoccernet.com can reveal.
The 20-year-old joined the La Liga side from Portuguese club Vitoria Guimaraes on Wednesday night after three days of secret talks.
Mensah, who made his debut for the Ghana national team last month, signed a staggering six-year deal.
"The Ghanaian player has signed with our club for six seasons," Atletico said in a statement on Wednesday after the deal was sealed.
He was immediately loaned out to La Liga rivals Getafe where he will be assured of playing time to boost his confidence in one of the world's best leagues.
Mensah who only made his Ghana debut last month was tracked by Manchester United following his breakaway season at Guimaraes last term.
The Ghanaian youngster started 29 of his 30 first team appearances in the Portuguese top flight last season - scoring five goals in the process.
Mensah will however not have a chance to immediately make his name at the Vicente Calderon Stadium as he is being shipped off on loan to Getafe for the new season.
This move will see the Ghanaian gather the requisite experience while adapting to the new style of play in Spain.
Atletico won the race to sign the rising star a day after Valencia made a serious move to sign the Ghanaian.
Officials of Valencia were said to have traveled to Portugal in a bid to seal a deal to sign Mensah.
Discussions however hit a snag with Valencia failing to meet the asking price.
Agent of Bernard Mensah, Jorge Mendes who has a stake in the player's economic rights is believed to have played key role in the decision to have the Ghanaian move to Atletico instead.