If Nicolas Tagliafico has played his last game for Ajax, there are worse ways to bow out.
The little left-back was front and centre as Erik ten Hag’s all-conquering side celebrated another Eredivisie title at their hallowed Johan Cruyff Arena last week, swigging champagne with an Argentina flag draped around his shoulders.
Shortly after the title-securing 4-0 thrashing of Emmen on 2 May, Tagliafico was packing his bags and heading on holiday, given permission to miss the final three games of the league season as he rests up ahead of this summer’s Copa America.
Will the swashbuckling wideman ever pull on that iconic red-and-white strip again? No, seems to be the obvious answer.
“A departure for Nicolas Tagliafico and (Brazilian winger) David Neres would make sense. It is no secret they are open to a transfer,” Ajax director Marc Overmars told Voetbal International last week.
“We have agreed with the Dutch club that, if a suitable offer arrives, Nicolas would be free to leave,” adds his agent, in quotes reported by FC Inter News.
Tagliafico was being linked with the likes of Arsenal, Barcelona and Leicester City 12 months ago but, this time around, it seems Leeds United are his most likely destination.
It’s no secret Marcelo Bielsa’s entertainers are in the market for a left-back and, according to AS, Leeds have held initial talks with the £14 million-rated dynamo.
Now, Ajax supporters are used to seeing key players depart. Emotional farewells are an annual tradition these days.
And Tagliafico will go with the blessing of everyone in Amsterdam, a two-time league champion and a modern-day fans’ favourite.
Here’s what some Ajax fans had to say about the situation on Twitter:
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