Kelvin de Lang will be the new head of scouting professional football at Ajax as of August 4, 2023, the Amsterdammers have announced through the official channels. He is currently working for Manchester City as Head of Talent Partnerships & Placements, but will therefore exchange the Etihad Stadium for the Johan Cruijff ArenA this summer. De Lang, who signed with Ajax until mid-2027, is the successor to Henk Veldmate, who returns to FC Groningen after seven years.
Sven Mislintat is happy with De Lang’s appointment. “We are happy that Kelvin has decided to sign with Ajax. He is the right person for this job. We were looking for a modern head scout with knowledge of the current international football world. Kelvin knows what Ajax stands for. With the experience he has gained at City and his competences, he brings additional qualities to the current scouting team. I am very much looking forward to working closely with him.”
Humphrey Nijman was already full of praise for De Lang earlier on Wednesday. “Kelvin has done very well at City,” his agent told the NOS. “He worked his way up there. First he was a youth scout. He once came to my office to show that City was interested in Jorrel Hato. We always have contact that way.” It was no surprise to Nijman that Ajax ended up with De Lang in the search for a successor for Veldmate. “When Henk left, it was one and one is two for me. I think it’s an excellent choice.”
De Lang, also known for his relationship with former hockey international Ellen Hoog, was employed by Nijman before his transfer to City. In 2017, he joined City’s scouting department, where he spent the last year working directly under technical director Txiki Begiristain. The Citizens wanted to extend his contract, but De Lang opts for a multi-year contract with Ajax. With the arrival of the new head of scouting, Mislintat has already filled one of the vacancies at the Amsterdammers.