Heitinga trades Ajax for Atlético

Defender Johnny Heitinga has undergone a medical at Club Atlético de Madrid as he completes his €10m move from AFC Ajax.

Five-year deal
The 24-year-old Dutch international will be Atlético's first summer signing, arriving at the Estadio Vicente Calderón on a reported five-year contract. The transfer was first announced at the end of April and Heitinga subsequently said his goodbyes to the Ajax fans after their last match of the regular Eredivisie season against Heracles Almelo.

Strong CV
The newcomer will bring quality and versatility to the Atlético back line, being able to play at centre-back, right-back or even as a midfield anchor man. Heitinga made 152 Dutch top-flight appearances, scoring 17 goals, having broken into the Ajax team during the 2001/02 campaign. Twice a national champion with the Amsterdammers, he has also been capped 33 times by the Netherlands and is expected to represent the Oranje at UEFA EURO 2008™.

Champions League
Javier Aguirre's Atlético side will compete in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round after finishing fourth in the Primera División. According to reports, Czech Republic defender Tomáš Ujfaluši may follow Heitinga to the Spanish capital after leaving ACF Fiorentina at the end of his contract.