Ajax sign Thimothee Atouba

Ajax Amsterdam have secured the services of Cameroonian Thimothee Atouba, who joins the Dutch side from Hamburger SV.

Atouba, 27, came to Europe to join Neuchatel Xamax in 2002 and since represented FC Basel, Tottenham Hotspur and Hamburger. At Spurs, the left back already worked with current Ajax manager Martin Jol.

The player is not completely free of controversy. In 2008, he was hganded a 60,000 Euro fine by Hamburg for returning late from the African Cup of Nations and for showing his middle finger to fans during a game.

Atouba is the first new reinforcement for Ajax in preparation for the 2009-10 season.