Ajax sign Graafland on free transfer

Goalkeeper Ronald Graafland has signed a one-year contract with UEFA Champions League group stage contenders AFC Ajax.

Graafland, who signs on a free transfer after leaving Vitesse last term, will bolster Martin Jol's options at the Amsterdam ArenA with reserve custodian Kenneth Vermeer set for a lengthy absence having torn his Achilles tendon in training. The 31-year-old Graafland started his career with Feyenoord but made all his 85 league appearances for SBV Excelsior between 2000 and 2008.

"I was already considering amateur football because nothing came my way at the end of last season," he said. "When Ajax phoned me, I thought that I had to grab the chance with both hands. My goal at Ajax is to start enjoying football again because I haven't done that for the past two years."