Hamburg can't believe the money they've made on new Manchester City signing Nigel de Jong.

City amazingly handed Hamburg £19million for De Jong despite knowing he would cost just £2.3m at the end of the season, says The Sun.

The Dutch midfield enforcer, dubbed the vacuum cleaner because he Hoovers up in front of the back four, has signed a four-year deal.

But City's pursuit of the 24-year-old has made them a laughing stock as De Jong had a clause in his Hamburg contract stating he would be available for just £2.3m this summer. A Dutch source said: "Hamburg are laughing all the way to the bank.

"No one can believe that a club would act like this in the current economic climate.

"People in Holland are still shaking their heads. Nigel is a decent player but is he worth £16.7million for just four months? No way. City are just showing how little regard they have for money - and sense. It is ridiculous."

Hamburg boss Martin Jol said: "The club just couldn't refuse the offer."