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.