Ajax strengthen attack with Hoesen coup

Dutch title holders AFC Ajax have bolstered their squad ahead of the UEFA Champions League group stage with the signing of Daniel Hoesen from Fulham FC.

The 21-year-old forward joins for an undisclosed fee, accepting a three-year contract at the Amsterdam ArenA. Brought through the youth ranks at SC Fortuna Sittard, the Dutchman moved to London in 2008 shortly after making his first-team debut but was unable to break into the Fulham side. Loan spells with HJK Helsinki and then back at Fortuna, where last season he was his old club's 13-goal top scorer in the Dutch second tier, convinced Ajax coach Frank de Boer to bring in the former Netherlands Under-17 striker.

"This gives me a proud feeling," said Hoesen. "I am extremely happy and it is fantastic to play with a top club like Ajax. I moved to England at a young age and that was a nice experience, but luckily Fortuna gave me the chance to play myself into the picture. I am thankful to them for that." Ajax play their first game in the 2012/13 UEFA Champions League group stage on 18/19 September. They will find out their opponents in Thursday’s draw.