New Ajax chief scout Kelvin de Lang was key to Jordan Henderson's signing.

The former Liverpool captain joined Ajax last week on a free transfer from Al-Ettifaq.

Local Ajax reporter Tim van Duijn told Voetbal International: "De Lang realized that he could get his hands on gold and kept the interest in Henderson under the radar.

"In fact, it was so secret that almost no one at the club knew about it.

"In the utmost secrecy, De Lang and 'director of football' Marijn Beuker had an appointment with Henderson's entourage.

"De Lang and Beuker didn't waste any time. They decided to accelerate and make the interest more concrete."

The first offer that Ajax made to Henderson was made after consultation with the Supervisory Board, advisor Louis van Gaal and financial director Susan Lenderink.

"Ajax managed to keep the interest in Henderson under wraps, but when it leaked out in the media, uncertainty also increased.

"De Lang and co. However, they kept a cool head and were not fooled by, for example, 'serious interest' from Juventus."

The Italian top club showed interest, but could only loan Henderson. This immediately gave Ajax an advantage.

"It is possible that De Lang's first transfer window will also be one of his most hectic. One in which he deliberately kept expectations low for his supporters, but in which he immediately made a name for himself by signing Henderson," concludes Van Duijn.