Ajax have won the race for the signature of NAC Breda's coveted
Brazilian Leonardo.
Leonardo Vitor Santiago, to give him his full title, has caught
many an eye this term with his electric displays down the flank for
NAC.
Tottenham and PSV Eindhoven were just two of the sides credited
with an interest in the 23-year-old, but rumours circulating the
Dutch media in the last couple of weeks stated Ajax had leapt to
the front of the queue.
And on Tuesday, Ajax confirmed they had struck a
two-and-a-half-year deal with Leonardo and he will make the move to
Amsterdam in January.
Leonardo is looking forward to joining Ajax and does not envisage
any problems in making a move mid-way through a season.
"This way I am half a year earlier than other possible new players
who will come in July," he told the club's website. "Now I can get
used to the team, make friends and build a connection with the
guys."
Leonardo has admitted that Ajax were more persuasive than the other
clubs he talked to in recent weeks.
"The talks I had with Ajax were different than those with other
clubs," he declared. "I felt best with the people of Ajax.
"It's not about the money, I want to have a good feeling with a
club as a football player.
"Ajax is a top club and I expect a lot from Ajax. I want to make
Ajax even stronger, make sure we play for the championship.
"This year I think Ajax can catch up to PSV in the second half of
the season."