Reds rejected Babel return

Frustrated Dutch winger requested loan move to Ajax

By Gerrit van Leeuwen   Last updated: 9th December 2008  

Reds rejected Babel return

Babel: Concerned by lack of first XI action

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Liverpool blocked a request from Ryan Babel to return to Ajax on loan, according to the winger's agent.

The Holland international moved to Anfield from the Amsterdam Arena in 2007 as Reds manager Rafa Benitez paid £11.5million.

However, Babel has struggled to secure regular first-football and has found opportunities increasingly limited this season following Benitez's decision to ditch his rotation policy.

And Babel's representative, Winnie Haatrecht, claims the 21-year-old - who started against Blackburn at the weekend - is concerned at his lack of first XI action and that he requested a temporary return to Ajax in the past, which was rejected by Liverpool.

Happy

Haatrecht told De Telegraaf: "Ryan feels he is sitting too much on the bench and he wanted to play more.

"He requested me to ask Ajax if they would be interested in a temporary return.

"After they responded enthusiastically, I asked Liverpool to cooperate. The club, however, will not let him go.

"Rafa Benitez feels Ryan is too important. Hopefully this will be translated into increased minutes.

"Let us be clear Ryan is very happy, but to develop he needs to play more minutes."