Ajax defender Jurrien Timber has admitted that he will leave the club next summer following a transfer window that saw the Dutch international attract interest from Manchester United and Tottenham.
Speaking to AD, the 21-year-old prospect revealed that he intends to leave Ajax next summer after deciding to remain with the club for another year despite reported interest from Tottenham and United, with Bayern Munich also keen on Timber, who last season was one of the breakout stars in the Eredivise.
A regular for both Ajax and the Netherlands national team, Timber’s defensive versatility has made the youngster a prized asset for many clubs over the summer, yet the centre-back made the decision to stay in Amsterdam, with the Dutch champions reportedly valuing the academy graduate at £36m.
Whilst United managed to sign both Lisandro Martinez and Antony from Ajax for a combined £140m, the Red Devils could be the favourites to land Timber next summer should the defender decide to leave Holland, with right-back, another position the defender is a natural in, a problem area for Erik Ten Hag’s side.
Indeed, Tottenham’s interest could cause problems for United with the allure of Antonio Conte a tantalising one for Timber, yet one thing is for certain, the defender already has his mind and heart set on leaving Ajax next year regardless of the club’s success in the new season.
Timber said when asked if he will leave Ajax next year: “Whether agreements have been made to make a transfer next year? That is the plan, so yes. But you never know how things will turn out eventually. But we’ve had good talks about that together with Ajax.”
Timber’s decision to leave Ajax is huge for Tottenham and United
Timber has established himself over the past 12 months as one of Holland’s most exciting emerging talents, and for the defender to admit that he will leave Ajax next summer is big for the likes of Tottenham and United, who could do battle in 2023 to sign the talented youngster.
After all, another year of regular football in the Eredivisie and UEFA Champions League will see Timber develop greatly, and this could see the Ajax star head into next year’s summer window as a defender capable of competing in any league at a young age, something Tottenham and United will find very appealing.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
