Liverpool and Hoffenheim agreed to the £5.8 million ($9.3 million) transfer of Ryan Babel to the Bundesliga club on Tuesday, but Babel, who previously voiced his desire to return to his former club, Ajax, is continuing to push for such a move.
The Hoffenheim transfer appeared to be a done deal after Babel flew to Germany for a physical and to work out personal terms on Tuesday, but Babel, who even offered a pay cut to move to Ajax, still is hoping to return to Amsterdam, according to agent Winnie Haatrecht.
"Hoffenheim will only be an option if Ryan isn't allowed to go on loan to Ajax or they do not want him," said Haatrecht, according to LiverpoolFC.tv.
Ajax brass, including manager Frank De Boer, has expressed interest in Babel, given that he formerly played for the club, but the club is remaining relatively tight-lipped, so as to not jeopardize the Luis Suarez negotiations.
"Babel would be an interesting project but nothing is done. There might be news later this week," an Ajax source told the site. "We want to keep Luis and only obscene offers would be enough."
Liverpool bought Babel for £12 million ($19 million) in 2007.
