Anssi Jaakkola’s move to English Championship side Reading is not quite done‚ but should happen within the next 48 hours‚ Times Media Digital has learnt.
Reports over the weekend said a deal had been concluded between Ajax Cape Town and Reading for the 29-year-old keeper‚ but although talks are at an advanced stage‚ there remains some lose ends to tie up.
But it is expected that the deal will go through and Ajax will start the new Premier Soccer League season with three keepers‚ all under the age of 22‚ in Brandon Petersen (21)‚ Jody February (20) and newly-promoted from the development‚ Darren Johnson (19).
February is likely to be away at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in August too‚ meaning the Urban Warriors would be down to the bare bones.
Jaakkola’s impending exit will highlight a farcical few days at Ajax in April when he made known his intention to leave the club and return to Europe‚ only for Ajax to force him to retract the statement when it was clear it was meant.
With few offers on the table it looked as though he would remain in Cape Town longer‚ and even signed a contract extension last month‚ before Reading swooped in.
It is a blow for coach Roger de Sa‚ who has admitted previously to Times Media Digital that Jaakkola was worth 12 to 15 points to his side with his excellent saves.
The former Finland international keeper was nominated for Premier Soccer League Goalkeeper of the Season in his first two campaigns in South Africa between 2013 and 2015.
Petersen had been tipped as the future number one by former Ajax goalkeeper coach Sander Westerveld and might have been already were it not for a horrific leg injury that kept him out for a year.
He returned to full fitness at the end of last season and will be looking to finally kick-start his highly-promising career.
Meanwhile‚ Ajax have signed University of Pretoria winger Thabo Mosadi on a three-year contract.
The 25-year-old is a replacement for Riyaad Norodien‚ who has left for Orlando Pirates.
Mosadi made his PSL debut in the 2012/13 season and made 65 starts for the clubs in four season. He was used mostly off the bench in the last campaign as AmaTuks were relegated.
He can lay claim to fame of having scored winners against both Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates in recent seasons‚ but does not score enough goals for his obvious ability.
Jaakkola’s move to English Championship side Reading not a done deal yet
Anssi Jaakkola’s move to English Championship side Reading is not quite done‚ but should happen within the next 48 hours‚ Times Media Digital has learnt.
Reports over the weekend said a deal had been concluded between Ajax Cape Town and Reading for the 29-year-old keeper‚ but although talks are at an advanced stage‚ there remains some lose ends to tie up.
But it is expected that the deal will go through and Ajax will start the new Premier Soccer League season with three keepers‚ all under the age of 22‚ in Brandon Petersen (21)‚ Jody February (20) and newly-promoted from the development‚ Darren Johnson (19).
February is likely to be away at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in August too‚ meaning the Urban Warriors would be down to the bare bones.
Jaakkola’s impending exit will highlight a farcical few days at Ajax in April when he made known his intention to leave the club and return to Europe‚ only for Ajax to force him to retract the statement when it was clear it was meant.
With few offers on the table it looked as though he would remain in Cape Town longer‚ and even signed a contract extension last month‚ before Reading swooped in.
It is a blow for coach Roger de Sa‚ who has admitted previously to Times Media Digital that Jaakkola was worth 12 to 15 points to his side with his excellent saves.
The former Finland international keeper was nominated for Premier Soccer League Goalkeeper of the Season in his first two campaigns in South Africa between 2013 and 2015.
Petersen had been tipped as the future number one by former Ajax goalkeeper coach Sander Westerveld and might have been already were it not for a horrific leg injury that kept him out for a year.
He returned to full fitness at the end of last season and will be looking to finally kick-start his highly-promising career.
Meanwhile‚ Ajax have signed University of Pretoria winger Thabo Mosadi on a three-year contract.
The 25-year-old is a replacement for Riyaad Norodien‚ who has left for Orlando Pirates.
Mosadi made his PSL debut in the 2012/13 season and made 65 starts for the clubs in four season. He was used mostly off the bench in the last campaign as AmaTuks were relegated.
He can lay claim to fame of having scored winners against both Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates in recent seasons‚ but does not score enough goals for his obvious ability.
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