Marc Overmars would rather join Arsenal than Newcastle United if he’s to leave Ajax for the Premier League, former Netherlands international Rafael van der Vaart has claimed via Voetbal Zone.
Finding a replacement for Steve Bruce is far from the only task Newcastle’s new owners face.
With the January transfer window just two months away and with the ‘richest club in the world’ winless in eight league games, reinforcements in a number of key positions – centre-half, defensive midfield, out wide to name but three – can’t come soon enough.
Arguably the most important decision Newcastle will have to make, however, surrounds the appointment of a director of football – someone to oversee a substantial rebuild on the pitch and keep things ticking over off it.
Could Marc Overmars be the man to transform Newcastle United?
And when you consider Newcastle’s transfer policy is rumoured to revolve around exciting young players with substantial up-sale, it makes sense Overmars would be at the top of their wish-list (De Telegraaf).
In his nine years at Ajax, Overmars has bought Arkadiusz Milik, Frenkie de Jong, Davinson Sanchez and Hakim Ziyech for a combined £16 million and sold them £170 million.
Just because Newcastle have more money than most doesn’t mean they can splash it about with no care for Financial Fair Play.
Overmars’ eye for a bargain could come in handy.
“Being Newcastle United, I can understand the interest,” says former Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt.
“If you see what Marc Overmars has done for Ajax, with his buying and selling policy, I think he has learned a lot. He has done a fantastic job.
“I don’t think there’s a better person for that position (director of football at Newcastle). The question is, is he going to make that much profit for a club that is going to spend millions?”
Van der Vaart, however, doesn’t think Overmars will leave Ajax for Newcastle, pointing out his heart lies with another English club.
“He is doing so well, everyone wants him,” says Van der Vaart. “I think it’s great what they’ve been doing for years with Edwin van der Sar (Ajax chief executive). It doesn’t surprise me (Newcastle want him).
“Maybe it’s a nice challenge at Newcastle United but I think he’d much rather go to Arsenal. He has more of a connection there.
“I don’t think he’s going to (join Newcastle).”
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