Ajax beckons again for Mido

Almost seven years after leaving AFC Ajax, Egyptian striker Mido has rejoined the Dutch club on a season-long loan from Middlesbrough FC.

Coach Martin Jol was pleased to bring the 27-year-old back to the Amsterdam ArenA, with Mido having scored 21 goals in 40 league games in a previous spell with Ajax from 2001 to 2003. "We needed an extra attacker," said Jol. "I am very happy that the deal has finally been done."

Having started his career at Zamalek SC in his native Egypt, the Cairo-born striker joined Ajax from KAA Gent, leaving them for Olympique de Marseille following a spell on loan at RC Celta de Vigo. Briefly an AS Roma player in 2004/05, he joined Tottenham Hotspur FC initially on loan later that season, where he worked under Jol. Having made his move to Spurs permanent in 2006, he moved on to Middlesbrough the following year, though he has been loaned out again in recent seasons, representing Wigan Athletic FC, Zamalek and West Ham United FC.

Ajax have also announced that 22-year-old attacking midfielder Jeffrey Sarpong is leaving the club to join Spanish side Real Sociedad de Fútbol for an undisclosed fee.