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A squabble at boardroom level had delayed the signing of the 34-year-old, who has been training with the team for almost two months and who agreed personal terms with the club some four weeks ago.
Booth has been signed on a contract up to the end of the season, with an option for a further two seasons if he can prove his fitness.
His signing will ease the defensive worries of coach Maarten Stekelenburg to some degree as Ajax seek to get back to winning ways after losing their last three matches in all competitions.
“Matthew is a fantastic player who adds some things that we currently lack in our squad. His presence and height will strengthen our defensive aerial power,” Stekelenburg said of his new signing.
“Booth’s experience on and off the field is something that we are looking for and, our young players will learn a lot from him. We feel that Matthew adds balance to our current squad and look forward to him being part of our team.”
Club CEO George Comitis says they are delighted to have the Cape Town-born player on board.
“As a club, we always first look at our youth academy for additions to our squad. However, we have identified the need for an experienced campaigner in defence and feel that Matthew will add tremendous value to the club, especially in guiding and assisting in the promotion of the young players from our academy,” Comitis says.
Booth will now be in contention for a place in the starting line-up for the Absa Premiership clash against League leaders SuperSport United on November 18.
