It is no longer a secret; Ajax have struggled this season and the Dutch giants will have to rethink their strategy going forward, if they are to reestablish their strong position in Dutch football. Well, history can’t be erased, even as the most successful Dutch team has wobbled this season. To stay at the top though, the club management now has to first focus on squad management. A number of top players will definitely want to leave, for one or two reasons related to this season. A number may want to stay but the management may be forced to sign releases, also based on this season and projections for the future. One of the players said to be seeking an exit is Dutch international Jurrien Timber, a key player for Ajax this season.
Next destination
The next destination for Timber has strongly been stated to be England, and precisely at Manchester United, and there is reason to believe that could be true. The 21-year-old was a United target last season. Erik ten Hag, his manager at Ajax, wanted to carry him along, as he signed up for Manchester United. However, in a raid that had targeted three players, United managed two get one less. As Antony and Lisandro Martinez made the switch to England, conflicting interests forced Timber to stay on at Ajax. First, he wanted a guarantee of first team football but heading to a new league, with already established and experienced players, it was never going to be an easy decision to move. Then there was the fact that he was targeting a place at the Netherlands team for the 2022 World Cup. A gamble like moving and failing to get play time would have been detrimental to this target. There was also the undeniable fact that with Ajax playing in the Champions League, and United out of it, staying was an easier option. Dynamics are different now and you can bet on Timber seriously considering leaving, with Champions League football not assured going into the last game of the Eredivisie. The big issue now for Timber, seemingly, is not where he will be playing next season; he has hinted in a number of interviews, though not explicitly, that he is considering leaving.
Main concern
The Dutch giants failing to make it to the Champions League is a good avenue to bet on, for Dutch users. This could offer up to €60 in Free Bets as a sports bonus through Jack’s new customer bonus code to claim in the Netherlands, which also comes with a €150 + 50 free bets when choosing the Casino way, as reviewed on SportyTrader.The main concern in the Timber issue is the fact that he signed a new deal at the start of this season, to keep him at Ajax until 2025. It means the next club he signs for will have to pay top dollar for the defender’s services. For Ajax this is a good thing, though given a chance, a restructuring Ajax would wish more to keep such a talented player. With Erik ten Hag looking to reinforce defensively after a shaky campaign, Timber fits the bill as a good replacement for the error-prone club captain Harry Maguire. At United’s level, they may have to worry about competition from Liverpool for the same player, and the ability of Virgil van Dijk to convince his international team mate to move to Anfield.
