Fulham forward Ryan Babel has told the Dutch media his agent tried to get him a move to Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United during his second spell with Ajax.
The Netherlands international has played for a host of clubs during his career but he’s revealed the three Premier League clubs rejected the chance to sign him.
In an interview with Voetbol International, Babel was asked about taking control of his career following some failed moves when he was young: “I was thinking of Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, West Ham United, then sub-elite clubs in the Premier League.
“In Germany, Schalke 04, Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund are the clubs who would have suited me. My agent called all those clubs and the answer was always the same: “Yes, a good player, but we have three, four other options.” Then I thought: Never mind.”
It seems Babel was keen to return to the Premier League with Aston Villa, West Ham or Tottenham following his spell with Liverpool. The winger arrived at Anfield with great expectations but he failed to make a real impact during his time on Merseyside.
In January, Babel again got the chance to play in England with Fulham but his stay in the country could be a short one, with the London side on the verge of relegation to the Championship.
The player will be a free agent at the end of the season and it’s highly likely the 32 year old will not drop down to the second tier.
There have been reports this week a return to Turkey may be an option for the attacker just a few months after leaving Besiktas.
ND
