Time to put the past behind and think about the future. Here are the players under contract who will contend for the first team. There may be some youth players who emerge the way Hato did this season but those are not easily predictable, however I have listed youth players who were called up to the first team this season. I will be editing this post as players come and go. GK: Rulli, Pasveer, Gorter (returning from loan), Ramaj, Setford Defense: Rensch, Hato, Kaplan (injured most of the year), Salah-Eddine (returning from loan), Aertsen, Goojier, Jeroumie, Medic, Gaaei, Sutalo, Avila, Sosa MF: Taylor, Berghuis, Vos, van den Boomen, Hlynson, Tahirovic, Mannsverk Forwards: Brobbey, Bergwijn, Godts, van Axel Dongen, Carlos Forbs, Akbom, Mikautadze Players on Loan: Baas (NEC), Unuvar (FC Twente), Sanchez (Porto with forced option to buy), Rasmussen (FC Nordsjaellen with option to buy), Fitz-Jim (Excelsior), Concicao (Porto with option to buy), Wijndal (Antwerp) Players Leaving: Regeer (FC Twente), Grillitsch (option not exercised), Timber (Arsenal), Tadic (contract dissolved), Perie (Excesior), Bassey (Fulham), Alvarez (West Ham), Daramy (Stade Reims), Kudus (West Ham), Klaassen (Inter Milan)
Any hopes for kik pierie. He finally looks to have overcome his injuries. After van den bommen, ajax shud look at Matusiwa as well but will need to spend.
Honestly don't know. He's had a number of injuries since moving over from Heerenveen. He is really a good passer of the ball but he is not the quickest defender. Hato, even at age 17, is a better defender and both Bassey and Kaplan are also left footed. I think Ajax might try to sell him this summer as part of the clear out. I don't think they will go after Matusiwa as van den Boomen might be first choice DM with Vos covering for him.
First signing already done: Welcome back in ❌❌❌, Branco!— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) May 29, 2023 Also Reeger already to Twente for 1m plus a buy back clause. Normally there is some clearing of the books in the summer but I expect a massive one with a new TD. Tons of players just are not good enough to play for Ajax. Overall-- I think a couple more van der Boomen signings. Just really solid players that are a bit older on the cheap to solidify the squad. Lower risk/reward types. IMO the goal should be get back to CL as soon as possible. The budget is probably based off of how much can we get for Alvarez, Kudus and maybe Timber. I'm not 100% sure Timber will leave -- he's young enough that he doesn't need to. The next big transfer question: Tadic, Klaassen, Berghuis? I think 1,2 maybe all 3 of them move. Making too much money and just get whatever you can for them. All have contracts coming up and all 3 think they're starters. Who are the 'move for literally anything' guys? Kik, Gorter probably are. Both seem done with the club. Any other youth guys that are sold or allow to go on a free? Any of the new signings fit this? I read Sanchez is for sure going to go (GOOD!). Would he just give away Concecaio in the same vein? Is Wijndal a total loss? (I'd give him another season) What's scary but maybe not the worst thing: outside of Bergwijn, maybe Rulli, who else is a for sure starter next year? Hato? Then again, this team stunk so new starters at most positions is not a bad thing. But there are a million questions. After this miserable season, I am quite excited for this window. I think we can re-make the club quickly. The best part about Mislintat -- zero attachment to these guys. So I expect a mass exodus. Contract is up in 2024. I imagine he'll go on a free or for a very low fee.
Timber is 50/50 right now. IMO, it's a huge mistake for him to move right now as there would be no guarantee that he gets starting football at a top tier team. If he just wants to settle for a mid-level club that never plays in Europe, that is a decision only he can make. Tadic will stay as Ajax promised him a coaching position when his contract expires. Berghuis is still a serviceable player for another year. Klaassen should be put on the transfer wires for free.
Interview with van der Boomen: https://www.telegraaf.nl/sport/2991...data-en-prestaties-vielen-mislintat-eerder-op
there is this another ex ajax player from the youth step up whom twente bought as well. Mees Hilgers. the guy looks good and is already getting good reviews with the games he has played.
https://www.soccernews.nl/news/edwin-van-der-sar-weg-bij-ajax/ Edwin van der Sar throws the towel. It's mentioned Johan's "Velvet Revolution" now is gone. 199
Yeah it was definitely over for certain when Branco Van Den Boomen was presented the other day and no Johnny.
I agree on Timber. I would do another year if I were him. No hurry to move and this year wasn't exactly great. But I also don't blame him for wanting to leave with no CL and with how awful this season was. I'm not sure about Tadic and coaching position. When he signed his extension through 2023, they made a big deal that it included a coaching contract through 2026. When he signed his latest extension to 2024, they did not mention it. There was a reliable report that Roma agreed to terms with him and Ajax this last winter but it didn't go through at the last minute. If Tadic thinks he doesn't have a guaranteed spot, I think he leaves. I'd rather give minutes to someone younger than Berghuis. I prefer sell him for whatever vs. extend or let him leave on a free. I still don't know what position he's best at with Ajax. Agreed on Klaassen- please let's end the madness.
Agreed with pretty much all of this. And I think if Tadic goes you offer Timber to be captain to entice him to stay. He also seems like he could have good leadership potentiality/has a good attitude.
I like that idea a lot. Timber one year as captain for a young squad. Similar to de Ligt in 18/19 is how I'd sell it to him. Also would send a good message to youth players.
Ajax need to overhaul quite a bit. I would go for younger more dynamic and athletic players if possible. Klaassen Tadic Rensch Taylor Sanchez Bassey Wijndal can all take a hike permanently. Berghuis I don’t have a problem with as he can play some decent football, but if he goes too I won’t lose much sleep over it. Even Rulli can go as I don’t think he’s good enough for Ajax either.
Not so sure about Taylor and Bassey. The latter was not given enough playing time IMO. Completely agree on the rest.
Ajax will be in Pot One for the Europa League draw assuming they get past the playoff round. this is important as they would NOT be drawn in the same group as Liverpool, Villareal, Roma, Bayer Leverkusen, or Atalanta. They will also be seeded in the playoff game, but it's too early to say who the opponent will be as that will be dependent on the earlier qualifying matches.
Leaks of the new home kit look hideous - looks like another year of not buying (the away kit is also underwhelming). I'll still be wearing the 2007/08 kit around!