Aheed Abrar
Manchester United target Jurrien Timber does not rule out Ajax Amsterdam stay
Ajax Amsterdam defender Jurrien Timber is open to staying at the Eredivisie outfit in the forthcoming campaign amidst interest from Manchester United.
Last summer, the centre-back opted against a move to the Old Trafford side. However, the Red Devils still have the Holland international on their radar ahead of the upcoming transfer window. Premier League rivals Liverpool have also been linked with the 21-year-old.
Speaking on Ziggo Sports via FootballTransfers (h/t Mirror), Timber has left the door open regarding his future. The defender has not ruled out staying at the Johan Cruyff Arena side for one more season.
“Of course, we [Ajax] didn’t perform well this season, and that’s why I’m not shouting that I want to leave. I said ‘no’ to really big clubs last season. So I never feel like it’s time to go.
“But, you don’t know what next season will be like. Things were said to me at the beginning of the season that didn’t come true this season. I don’t know what it will be like next season either, so staying at Ajax this summer is not ruled out, no.”
The Holland international made his way through the youth ranks at Ajax. Subsequently, it was Erik ten Hag who gave the centre-back a break in De Godenzonen’s senior squad.
Last season, the 21-year-old became a pivotal member of the Amsterdam-based club’s first-team setup. The youngster has once again been a key player for the Eredivisie outfit in the 2022/23 term.
But while Timber has done well on an individual level over the last few months, Ajax’s campaign has been a disappointing one, losing the league title to Feyenoord.
United’s defence has an abundance of talent in the centre-back area. Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane have formed a formidable partnership in the Red Devils’ backline this season.
However, with the Argentine and French nationals growing influence in the team, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have seen their game time dwindle. The two have spent most of the time on the bench since the Dutch manager’s arrival.
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Therefore, it is not implausible to think that our captain and the Swedish national could look to leave for pastures new in the coming months. In that case, we will need fresh faces in the squad. Timber has previously worked under Ten Hag and the gaffer knows him well. But it remains to be seen whether the Manchester-based club will sign him next summer.
