Manchester United have opened talks with Ajax to sign their young defender Jurrien Timber in the upcoming transfer window, as per latest reports. The Red Devils have made their intentions clear to sign the Dutch defender ever since Erik ten Hag was first announced as the new incoming manager.
The Dutch manager wants a revamped centre-back pairing at Old Trafford. The defence was one of the primary reasons for United’s disastrous 21-22 season. The uneven form of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, and Raphael Varane is a cause of concern for the new boss. Their backups, Eric Bailly and Phil Jones, are injury-prone and have failed to exert a commanding presence when offered the chance. They are expected to leave this summer.
The likes of Jurrien Timber and Pau Torres from Villarreal have been linked with the club. Timber has been an integral part of Ajax’s title-winning squad for the past two seasons. Signing the Dutch centre-back will certainly give some depth and quality in that department.
The Netherlands international has two years left on his contract and the deal to bring him to Old Trafford will have to be an attractive one, especially as United will not be able to provide the appeal of Champions League football. Moreover, the Ajax defender will not come cheap, with the club valuing him around €50m (£43m).
It was reported last month that the Red Devils had reached a verbal agreement with the 20-year-old to move to Old Trafford this summer. Now, according to The Guardian, Manchester United have initiated negotiations with Ajax over a possible transfer for Jurrien Timber.
Manchester United interest in Jurrien Timber is concrete and serious, deal now still at early stages with Ajax. Timber name has been discussed internally with ten Hag alongside Pau Torres. 🔴 #MUFC
Ajax have also offered Timber a new short term deal, in case he doesn’t leave. https://t.co/ZiwJ5qExoY
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 30, 2022
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano stated that Ten Hag’s side have shown serious interest in the Dutch defender, but the talks are still in early stages. The Eredivisie club might be willing to let the player go at the right price, but have also offered Timber a small contract, incase he doesn’t leave.
Player Profile:
Jurrien Timber has won Ajax’s Talent of the Year Award for this season’s performances. During the 2021-22 season, the Ajax youth academy product featured in over 40 games for the Dutch champions. He provided three goals and two assists as well, according to Transfermarkt.
At just the age of 20, he has already acquired 6 caps for the Netherlands senior team. Timber is a versatile player and can play as a right-back and left-back, something which would benefit a Manchester United side constantly plagued with injuries.
Introducing our Talent of the Year…
Congratulations, @JurrienTimber!! 💎 pic.twitter.com/7vVoScrPGn
— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) May 11, 2022
Although the defender has aspects of his game which he needs to improve and might not have the physical presence of Van Dijk, but will engage in an aerial challenge if needed. He has all the right attributes to become an able leader in the future. Considering his age, versatility and scope for growth, Timber should be United’s primary target in this transfer window.
Read More:
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Verdict:
Ten Hag often deployed full-backs on the underlap at Ajax. From such a position, Timber is excellent at making runs behind the opposition, or circulating possession. Both Pau Torres and Jurrien Timber seem to be United’s primary targets as far as the scouting activity is concerned. The Red Devils are still looking at other options like Inter Milan’s Federico Dimarco and Ajax’s Lisandro Martinez in case negotiations come to a stumbling block.
The jump from the Eredivisie to the Premier League is a big one, and Timber would have to adjust to life at Old Trafford quickly because of the pressure that has built up. With Ten Hag’s influence and the strong relationship that exists between the Manchester United and Ajax administration, it is only a matter of days before the signing of Jurrien Timber is announced.
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