Ajax attacker Justin Kluivert may be about to do a U-turn and remain with the club despite overtures from Manchester United, said to be keen on recruiting the livewire teenager.
There aren’t many players who would turn down the chance of joining a global powerhouse such as United, especially given the chance of working under the tutelage of Old Trafford manager Jose Mourinho.
But Kluivert, who oozes pedigree which is not unconnected to the fact that he is the son of Holland legend Patrick, has hinted he may well remain with the Sons of the Gods.
Encouragingly, well for fans of Ajax anyway, he has already seemingly snubbed a switch to Premier League outfit Tottenham Hotspur to player under Argentine coach Mauricio Pochettino. The White Hart Lane coach is no doubt impressed, as others are, with the starlet’s haul of 10 goals in 30 Eredivisie games last term.
The potential to stay and fight the cause for Ajax appears to mark a new way of thought, apparently, from Kluivert after he originally spoke out over the new contract he was offered by the club. The suggestion was that he was being urged to sign a new deal so that Ajax could secure a bigger transfer fee form the crop of potential suitors who were lining up to recruit the talented youngster.
Speaking of his future, and uttering comments that can easily lead to the view that a move away isn’t necessarily going to happen, Kluivert said: “There are exciting moments coming for me. Let’s see what they’re going to be.
“In the end, it’s my decision. I’m not a hundred percent convinced yet. I have to think things through. To stay at Ajax is definitely an option. It certainly is.”
Another player ready to consider pulling on the Ajax shirt once more is Watford left-back Marvin Zeegelaar. He has signalled a desire to return to the club that nurtured him during his tender years as a player following a less than satisfactory season in the Premier League with the Vicarage Road outfit.
Zeegelaar made just two appearances for Ajax before moving away from the club to join Espanyol in Spain. But since he moved to Watford he has seen his stock fall and a move could well suit both parties. He made just 13 appearances for the Hornets after falling behind the popular and impressive Jose Holebasin in the pecking order.
Quizzed about his love of Ajax and the chance to return to the Amsterdam giants, he replied: “Yes, why not? It is the club from my hometown, I know the club and of course I love the club.”
Meanwhile, Ajax coach Erik ten Hag may have to get used to life without hugely promising Matthijs de Ligt, who is still only 18. According to reports surrounding the youngster he has a prospective move to Premier League title holders Manchester City on the cards. Coach Pep Guardiola is said to view the defender as a down-the-line replacement for Vincent Kompany.