Hamburg Star Van Der Vaart Set for Ajax Return?

Hamburg and Netherlands star Rafael van der Vaart could be set to make a surprise return to Holland this summer by rejoining boyhood club Ajax.

The 31-year-old, who joined the Amsterdam club’s youth academy in 1993, went on to make over 100 senior appearances for the Dutch side before departing for Hamburg in 2003. The attacking midfielder is now currently back in Germany where he is captain of the Bundesliga team, after bridging spells at Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur.

According to Sky Sports, van der Vaart had previously voiced his desire to remain at the Imtech Arena by putting pen to paper on a new deal. However, with Hamburg currently sitting in the Bundesliga relegation zone, the Dutchman may have to leave this summer, despite being under contract until 2015.

It would be too premature for a player who still regularly plays international football to settle for a career in the second tier of German football, and should Hamburg be relegated, interest in his signature will be high; it appears that Ajax would be the most likely destination.

Ajax manager Frank de Boer had openly stated last week that he sees van der Vaart as the perfect solution to fit into his team and is extremely eager to bring the Dutchman back to Amsterdam, according to Michael Bell of Football Oranje. The player is believed to be coming around to the idea, too, according to SBS Shownieuws (via Bell).

Van der Vaart has been a prominent figure within the Netherlands national team for over a decade and registered four goals in six appearances during 2013. He is still widely regarded as one of the most talented players in Europe.

Despite Hamburg's continued struggles as a team, van der Vaart has returned a respectable seven goals and eight assists in just 24 league appearances. He would be a welcomed addition to many teams and would be a huge coup for de Boer's side.

Ajax are set to clinch a fourth successive Eredivisie crown within the next fortnight, and bringing back a two-time winner to the squad would only further enhance their credentials of making it five next term.

Would van der Vaart be a good signing for the champions? Post your thoughts below.