AFC Ajax is a club that was on the receiving end of overwhelming praise thanks to their 2019 season. While they won the Eredivisie this year, their UCL campaign is what catapulted the team to the spotlight. Towards the end of the season, people got to know that Ajax had become somewhat of a factory seeming manufacture talent by the truckload and big teams simply will not let go of such an opportunity. AFC Ajax is a great club but they have an overabundance of talent and not enough money to keep a lot of them at the club. A fair amount of big teams have underperformed this season and will be looking to lure in players from the Dutch club to improve their arsenal. Here’s a look at some of the big Ajax players who might just move for greener pastures in the window (Keep in mind that Frenkie De Jong is not included as his move to Barcelona was settled quite long ago):
Matthijs De Ligt:
The teenage captain who took his club all the way to semi-final round of the UCL. That pitch right there is already enough for big teams to lay down their hooks. His tackling and read are excellent. He is fantastic at moving up the pitch to provide support to the attack through his aerial prowess. He’s fast enough to fall back after those attacks to do some damage to the opposition with his defending. These skills have put him on or near the top of every shortlist for almost every big club. Manchester United have had a disappointing season and will be sure to overturn their string of bad form and they have been heavily linked with De Ligt. One of the richest clubs in the world, they definitely have the money to buy him. Teammate De Jong is already Barcelona bound and the Spanish heavyweights are among the frontrunners to recruit the teenage CB as well. PSG is one of the mightiest clubs when it comes to transfers and they might go for him to bolster their defence. Real Madrid might also throw in a lure since they are spending like there’s no tomorrow after a trophyless season. He would be an excellent replacement for Ramos down the line.
Hakim Ziyech:
The Moroccan international has been a deadly attacking midfielder this season. He has racked up 16 goals and 13 assists this season and teams are locked in a fierce battle to bring him to their side. His passing, shooting and general set-piece skills have made him nothing short of prime real estate in the footballing world. English clubs Liverpool and Arsenal are frontrunners in the Hakim Ziyech ‘race’. Both teams have a strong front line that would be further bolstered with a fantastic attacking midfielder like him. The number being thrown around is €35 million and both teams will be locked in a tussle to bring him in. Liverpool recently won the UCL and will look to continue on that momentum. Arsenal barely missed out on a UCL spot and also lost the UEL final so they will be looking at him to improve things at the club.
Donny Van De Beek:
The 22-year-old midfielder has been fantastic this season with 9 goals and 10 assists in the Eredivisie and 3 goals and 2 assists in the UCL. His passing and dribbling have made him a target for big clubs. With Eriksen’s departure almost certain, Tottenham will have an influx of cash and are linked with the Dutchman. They will surely look to bring him in and develop him to his fullest. Man United might also attempt to sign him to improve their squad. He would be great up front with Martial and Rashford and possibly help them achieve greater heights.
David Neres:
The 22-year-old Brazilian scored 8 goals and assists and had 2 apiece in the UCL. He was crucial in the victory against Real Madrid where he scored the 2nd goal that turned the tide of the match. As a result of this season, his market value has skyrocketed to €45 million. Arsenal is linked to him and this would certainly improve their attack. His dribbling and general attacking would be the last piece of the jigsaw puzzle for a lot of teams. Surprisingly, Everton might be looking to sign him as well. Richarlison might leave the club and he would fit in perfectly and with Keane at the back, Digne at the middle and him and Sigurdsson up front, Everton would turn into an unstoppable force. His ability to shift and do damage in the midfield makes him an even bigger prospect.
Noussair Mazraoui:
With 3.4 tackles and 1.9 interceptions per game in the UCL, the 21-year-old Moroccan RB adds to the long list of Ajax prospects. While there are not many reports of the Moroccan supposed to leave the club, you cannot rule it out looking at the evidence mentioned above. He is very young and just as capable. Teams like Man U, Real Madrid, Juventus and Chelsea would all do great with him in their arsenal. They might have to fork over around €20 million to get him looking at the market value (€18 mill.) but he would be a steal. Real Madrid would have great rotational advantages with Carvajal, him and Odriozola to take the position. With Ashley Young underperforming he would be a welcome addition for sure. Juventus would be able to play faster-paced games with him and Chelsea would be able to do rotations with him and Azpilicueta.
Andre Onana:
The 23-year-old keeper has been stunning this season. His shot stopping and concentration has helped him rack up 15 clean sheets in the Eredivisie. The player from Cameroon is considered to be among the best young keepers of the world. With Man United’s David De Gea under-performing this season, the Reddevils seem to be pushing hard. Andre Onana is very likely to be Old Trafford-bound and the transaction figure could be upwards of €45 million.
