In the run up to the 2022/23 season, Ajax Amsterdam made substantial profits but lost a lot of talented players, and bigger clubs went on a shopping spree in the Dutch capital. The result of the losses in terms of human resource was well visible as the season dragged on. It will definitely take some time, and investment in rebuilding but one of the best teams in Europe will definitely be ruined if another such raid occurs.
Play hard
At the start of the current season, the Dutch giants chose to play hard ball after it emerged that a number of major clubs were eying their players. At that time Erik ten Hag, the manager, had already been confirmed as the man in charge at Manchester United. The manager’s wish to carry with him some of the best talent from the Eredivisie was never in question, and some of those would be Ajax players. It was easy to convince them and some even went on to boycott training to force a move away. He won; the manager left a depleted Ajax side as he picked two of their best talents, even though he failed with one. At the end, winger Antony, and defender Lisandro Martinez made the switch to United, Sebastein Haller moved to Borussia Dortmund while the duo of Noussair Mazraoui and Ryan Gravenberch left for Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich. These key departures left Ajax exposed and the struggles in the season say all about their impact. The struggles even mean Ajax could miss the Champions League this time and with two matches to go, this can form a good basis to bet on the same and make use of the most attractive Netherlands promotional code of Zebet which is reviewed on SportyTrader.
Bigger clubs
Already, with the Dutch giants struggling, there have been reports of overtures from bigger clubs on their key players this season. While things aren’t clear yet as regards transfers, it is already being reported that Manchester United are targeting another swoop, this time for Brian Bobbley, the 21-year old the Red Devils tried so desperately to sign at the end of last season. Ajax dangled the Champions League card last season to keep some of their players but with that seemingly elusive this time, the Dutch giants may be forced to think deeper. Notably, Manchester United, even without Champions League football, managed to get some of their top players. Jurrien Timber is another player that United is also looking to sign as they look to firm up defensively. This is after the youngster signed a new deal to stay on following interest from United last summer. Edson Alvarez has also been linked with a move away, with Chelsea said to be the next destination for the midfielder. This comes after a failed bid last summer, and the holding midfielder is looked at as a good replacement for N’Golo Kante while his contribution in attack has come up as an additional quality. Such key departures would really hurt Ajax, though they stand to bring in some good finances, considering the length of the players’ contracts.
