22 May 2023 , 18:35
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Jurrien Timber has admitted that he is in the dark over his future at Ajax amid transfer interest from Liverpool and Manchester United.
Timber is a key player for Ajax, where he has made 46 appearances in all competitions this season. But his performances for the Dutch side have led to continued transfer speculation, with Premier League sides top of the list of those interested.
United are an obvious suitor, given his association with former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag, who is known to be a fan of the 21-year-old. Yet Liverpool have emerged as a credible alternative, with Jurgen Klopp seeking reinforcements in a summer of upheaval on Merseyside.
Liverpool are reportedly plotting to hijack United’s move for Timber this summer, but the defender insists that he remains unaware of any offer. He has spoken to Ajax sporting director Sven Mislintat and would be happy to stay put in Amsterdam.
“I met him (Mislintat) here at De Toekomst and then we spoke briefly and one-on-one. He spoke longer with my agent. As far as I know, Ajax wants to keep me here,” he told Algemeen Dagblad.
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“Beyond that, I can hardly say anything about it. Talks about that will probably follow soon. Actually, I am now in the same situation as last year. I don’t know yet whether I will make that step now. I’m happy to be at Ajax – here you can always show yourself.”
Jurrien Timber has impressed for Ajax (Getty Images)HAVE YOUR SAY! Where will Jurrien Timber be playing next season? Comment below.
While he wouldn’t mind staying at Ajax for now, Timber has been open about his desire to leave the Netherlands to play in a more competitive league. He plays alongside Liverpool stars Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo at international level and has discussed a transfer with them.
“A transfer is getting closer and closer, so to speak,” he revealed to De Telegraaf in April. “There is a lot of concrete interest and I have made agreements with Ajax.
“Last year Ajax asked me to stay for at least one more season and to extend my contract. As a club boy, I did that with love and after the season we will review the situation.
“At the Dutch national team, I often talk to boys who play football abroad. I want to take that step someday.”
While Timber is primarily used in central defence, he is also capable of playing at right-back. That flexibility is a useful asset for any potential suitor, but they might have to pay a premium for his services.
Timber is under contract with Ajax until June 2025 and, although they have a history of selling their best players, they don’t do so cheaply. Last summer, United had to fork out £87.5million to sign Antony for Ten Hag, while Barcelona paid £65m for Frenkie de Jong and Juventus shelled out £68m for Matthijs de Ligt.