Davinson Sanchez switch to Tottenham was 'too early', insists former Manchester United and Ajax keeper Edwin van der Sar

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Edwin van der Sar believes Davinson Sanchez's move to Tottenham was a mistake and the Colombian defender should have waited a few more years before departing Ajax.

Sanchez, who featured in Colombia's 1-1 draw with Brazil on Tuesday night, joined Spurs in the latter phases of the summer transfer window for a fee worth £42million, Sportsmail reported.

But, according to Four Four Two, the former Manchester United goalkeeper, who since hanging up his gloves occupies his time as the Dutch side's chief executive, spoke out about the move after appearing at the 2017 Soccerex Global Conference on Wednesday.

Manchester United legend Edwin van der Sar believes Davinson Sanchez left Ajax too soon

Sanchez featured in Colombia's 1-1 draw with Brazil on Tuesday night

'I think with Sanchez, one year was too early, he should have stayed two or three years,' he said.

'But sometimes, with the financial power that is looming over us in the bigger leagues, it's quite difficult for even a big club like Ajax coming from a small league to resist certain transfers.'

Sanchez featured in Ajax's Europa League final defeat by Van Der Sar's former employers, but only managed one season in Amsterdam before being snapped up by Mauricio Pochettino.

The Colombian defender joined Tottenham for £42m after one season with the Dutch side 

Following a glittering career which saw Van Der Sar, who recently appeared in a legend's match at Old Trafford, claim eight domestic league titles and two Champions Leagues, his concerns now lie with the business side of last season's Eridivisie champions with the 46-year-old admitting he will need to replace the defender.

'I'd rather not (have to) replace them because I want to have as good a team as possible,' Van der Sar said.

'But we know at a certain point that this league is not strong enough, so after a few years, hopefully if you play three, four or five years for the club and give us two or three championships and success in Europe then, [in an] ideal world, it is the right step to go forward.'