De Jong Heads to Hamburg

Ajax defender Nigel de Jong has joined German Bundesliga side Hamburg SV on a four-and-a-half year deal.

The 21-year-old’s contract had been due to expire in July, and he had been linked with moves to Barclays Premiership trio Tottenham, West Ham and Manchester United – as well as Borussia Dortmund.

Although neither Ajax nor Hamburg have confirmed the fee, it is thought to be around £700,000 (€1.02m).

De Jong, a Holland international, made his Ajax debut in October 2002 against AZ Alkmaar and scored 13 goals in 133 appearances for the club.

Hamburg currently sit second in the Bundesliga, six points behind leaders Bayern Munich.