Ajax boss Frank de Boer has confirmed that he will not be making use of the buy-out clause inserted into Niki Zimling's loan with the Dutch club meaning he will be back at 1. FSV Mainz 05 next season.
In an interview with Studio Voetbal, de Boer said: "We were looking for an experienced midfielder with leadership skills." He added that Danish coach Martin Olsen had helped him make his decision.
Zimling's loan on deadline day was a surprise in itself, as he went on a year long loan to the Dutch capital club. However since arriving he has made just nine appearances and accumulated just 218 minutes in that time.
The 29-year-old still has a contract until 2017 with Mainz and his return could prove timely. Johannes Geis is being consistently linked with a move away from the Coface Arena, while Julian Baumgartlinger has reportedly attracted the attentions of Werder Bremen in recent days.
Quotes via fcupdate.nl