Revealed: Ajax reach full agreement with Man City transfer chief Kelvin de Lang - sources

Founder & Managing Director AUTHORITY Former chief correspondent at Evening Standard, Goal and Press Association with nearly three decades in national, regional and digital news and sports journalism. Wayne directs the network’s news strategy and high-level operations. FOCUS Editorial direction for the 11-site network and newsroom management. THE BRIEF Wayne oversees the network’s editorial standards across the network. He provides the final sign-off on all headline scoops, ensuring content across all platforms meets the standards required for a high-velocity newsroom.

Published on:

23 May 2023, 7:30 am

Ajax have reached a full agreement with Man City loans manager Kelvin de Lang, sources have told Football Insider.

The Dutchman, 35, is set to return to his homeland after playing a major role in City developing and enhancing the value of their top young talents.

Football Insider broke the news on Monday (22 May) that De Lang was in advanced talks to join Ajax.

Now, it is understood he has agreed terms, with a deal in place for him to take on the role of Ajax head of recruitment.

This news comes after Southampton failed to lure another senior Man City figure away from the Etihad Stadium - having already appointed academy director Jason Wilcox as their new director of football.

Football Insider revealed on Monday (22 May) that Man City assistant manager Enzo Maresca turned down the Southampton hot seat before they offered it to Swansea City's Russell Martin.

De Lang has been crucial in the development of the Citizens' brightest young talents since his appointment in 2017.

Man City have been using loan deals to develop their best youngsters over the years.

Some have gone on to secure Premier League moves following successful temporary spells, with Gavin Bazunu joining Southampton last summer (2022) after time at Portsmouth and Rochdale.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Tommy Doyle, James McAtee and James Trafford are among the youngsters to thrive at EFL clubs in the 2022-23 campaign as they further their development.

Football Insider revealed that West Ham, Fulham and Newcastle United are all ready to swoop for Harwood-Bellis in the summer after his successful loan at title-winning Burnley.

Pep Guardiola has established a pathway to his senior squad for youngsters despite Man City's trophy-laden recent history - with Phil Foden, Rico Lewis and Cole Palmer among those to emerge under his stewardship.

In other news, Newcastle set to now beat Man City to defender signing.

Manchester City