Jairo Riedewald looks likely to leave Ajax this summer with both Newcastle United and Crystal Palace ready to meet his asking price.
Ajax are used to losing their star players on an annual basis. However, while established first-team regulars Kasper Dolberg, Joel Veltman and Hakim Ziyech look likely to be staying at the Amsterdam Arena next season, two players who barely featured last season could still have done enough to earn a move away.
Right-back Kenny Tete has joined Lyon in Ligue 1 while fellow Dutch defender Jairo Riedewald could be on his way to England. That is according to VI, who claim that Newcastle United and Crystal Palace are both willing to meet Ajax’s £8.6 million asking price.
Riedewald helped Ajax reach the Europa League final last season
Newcastle have endured a difficult summer with manager Rafael Benitez admitting that he was frustrated at the club’s failure to land their top targets, as reported by the BBC. So far, only Christian Atsu and Florian Lejeune have arrived at St James’ Park.
Though a deal for Riedewald may relieve some of the tension. The 20-year-old is one of Holland’s most highly rated young defenders with three international caps and an Eredivisie title to his name already. Capable of playing at centre-back, left-back or defensive midfield, the technically gifted Riedewald would give Benitez plenty of options.
However, you wonder whether Palace have a distinct advantage with Frank de Boer in the dugout. After all, the Dutch legend handed Riedewald his debut at the tender age of 17 back in 2013 and it was only after he departed for Inter Milan last summer that the defender’s progression stalled.
Riedewald featured heavily under Frank de Boer at Ajax
Starting 21 Eredivisie games in 2015/16, that tally fell to just six under Peter Bosz. Furthermore, Riedewald has now lost his number four shirt, instead being handed 36.
Therefore, this is a clear indication that Riedewald’s stock has fallen at Ajax – which will give hope to both Newcastle and Palace as they look for defensive reinforcements.
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