bastian
May 27 2005, 10:00 PM
Hamburg sign van der Vaart
by Alex Livie - created on 27 May 2005
Hamburg have wrapped up the capture of Ajax star Rafael van der Vaart.
The Dutch international midfielder has plumped for Germany over the chance to move to Spain or England, signing a five-year deal with the Bundesliga outfit.
The fee has not been disclosed, but Ajax are believed to have been seeking somewhere in the region of €7 million for one of Europe's most gifted midfielders.
Hamburg coach Thomas Doll is keen to build a squad capable of challenge in the Bundesliga and van der Vaart is likely to be a major piece in the jigsaw.
Van der Vaart, who will have to content himself with domestic football after Hamburg missed out on a spot in Europe, has expressed delight at finalising his move to the Bundesliga.
"I am very happy that my transfer to Hamburg has been completed," he told Hamburg's website.
Hamburg director of sport Dietmar Beiersdorfer added: "We are pleased to have signed a player of international class like van der Vaart."
Van der Vaart made his debut for Ajax in 2000 and appeared to have the world at his feet, but he has endured a disappointing 12 months and will hope to resurrect his career at Hamburg.
by Alex Livie - created on 27 May 2005
Hamburg have wrapped up the capture of Ajax star Rafael van der Vaart.
The Dutch international midfielder has plumped for Germany over the chance to move to Spain or England, signing a five-year deal with the Bundesliga outfit.
The fee has not been disclosed, but Ajax are believed to have been seeking somewhere in the region of €7 million for one of Europe's most gifted midfielders.
Hamburg coach Thomas Doll is keen to build a squad capable of challenge in the Bundesliga and van der Vaart is likely to be a major piece in the jigsaw.
Van der Vaart, who will have to content himself with domestic football after Hamburg missed out on a spot in Europe, has expressed delight at finalising his move to the Bundesliga.
"I am very happy that my transfer to Hamburg has been completed," he told Hamburg's website.
Hamburg director of sport Dietmar Beiersdorfer added: "We are pleased to have signed a player of international class like van der Vaart."
Van der Vaart made his debut for Ajax in 2000 and appeared to have the world at his feet, but he has endured a disappointing 12 months and will hope to resurrect his career at Hamburg.