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Former Ajax, Liverpool striker Ryan Babel signed with Al Ain

The Dutchman, it seems, has signed a two-year deal with the Garden City club, going by what his agent Winnie Haatrecht said.

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Ryan Babel while playing for Ajax in the Champions League. — AFP file

Abu Dhabi — Was it the lull before the storm? Arabian Gulf League champions Al Ain were quiet in the transfer market while rivals Al Ahli, Al Jazira, Al Wahda, Bani Yas and Al Nasr made some bold moves. But that is changing with ‘The Boss’ set to land former Ajax and Liverpool striker Ryan Babel.

The Dutchman, it seems, has signed a two-year deal with the Garden City club, going by what his agent Winnie Haatrecht said.

Winnie Haatrecht told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf that the 28-year-old has already inked a deal with Al Ain and will fly down to the UAE in July to undergo a medical. “We have signed a contract for two years,” Haatrecht told De Telegraaf.

It is understood that Al Ain have broken the bank for the former Dutch international with Haatrecht saying Al Ain were very keen to sign him. “It is clear from their contract offer how much they appreciate him,” Haatrecht is reported to have said. The transfer fee involved was not known but according to the website transfermarkt.com, Babel is pegged to have a current market value of 5 million Euros.

Babel is currently with Turkish side Kasimpasa and has a contract with them until June 2016. He has also been linked to another Turkish side Besiktas as well as English Premiership club Swansea.

Al Ain, who have also been linked with Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel, although the speculation has died down a bit, remained silent about Babel. Al Ain are in the market to replace Miroslav Stoch and Jires Kembo-Ekoko. The Slovakian international Stoch, who was impressive last season, has returned to Turkish side Fenerbahce after his loan spell. Al Ain are also considering loaning out Ekoko.

Babel, who began his career at Ajax, then moved to Liverpool for 17 million Euros. He later joined 1899 Hoffenheim for 7 million Euros before returning to Ajax on a free transfer. He then moved to Kasimpasa on a free transfer.

james@khaleejtimes.com

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