Ajax coach Frank de Boer has revealed that the Amsterdammers were on the verge of signing Dutch winger Ola John from Benfica in the summer transfer window.
The Eredivisie giants attempted to recruit the former Twente starlet after Christian Eriksen had completed a switch to Tottenham, and the deal was close to fruition.
However, Ajax boss Frank de Boer has now revealed that injuries to Benfica star players eventually scuppered the transfer.
“We went out of our way to get Ola John,” the Netherlands legend said at a press conference on Friday.
“But, something happened that we did not expect. There were two Benfica players that picked up injuries, so the player was not allowed to leave.”
Benfica pulled out of the season-long loan at the final minute as important midfielders Eduardo Salvio and Nicolas Gaitan had moved on the sidelines at the start of the season.
Ajax ended up signing Lerin Duarte from Heracles, but chances are they will return for Ola John in January.
The 21-year-old joined the Eagles from Twente last summer and has since made 23 league appearances for the club.
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