Ajax bet on Bayern old boy Kuffour

AFC Ajax have signed central defender Samuel Kuffour, with the Ghanaian international joining the Dutch title challengers on a free transfer from AS Roma, while Rasmus Lindgren has returned to Amsterdam.

Stam successor
The 31-year-old Kuffour, who despite winning 59 caps is not part of Ghana's African Cup of Nations campaign on home soil, has accepted a six-month contract with an option for a further two seasons. Ajax moved for Kuffour as a replacement for Jaap Stam, who retired suddenly in October.

Experienced
Kuffour comes to the Eredivisie club, who are second in the table, with a wealth of experience – including 175 Bundesliga appearances in eleven seasons with FC Bayern München. He switched to Roma for the 2005/06 campaign but made just 21 Serie A outings, spending last term on loan at AS Livorno Calcio. Since being recalled by Roma last summer he has failed to play a game.

Lindgren gain
Ajax have also landed Lindgren on a deal until summer 2012 after agreeing a €2.5m fee with FC Groningen for his services. The 23-year-old Swedish midfielder left the Amsterdam ArenA in 2005 having failed to make the leap from youth department to first team, but established himself as a key player in Groningen, featuring in 82 Eredivisie matches and becoming team captain. He follows defender Bruno Silva, who joined Ajax from Groningen last week.