Without a doubt, Manchester United are building a connection with Ajax this season with coach Erik ten Hag and defender Lisandro Martinez both coming directly from Amsterdam. Donny van de Beek, who is already at the club, is another Ajax product along with Jongโs main transfer target Frenkie.
United have found that the Dutch champions are not in the mood to part ways with their low-cost players. Martinez’s deal, in particular, required intense negotiations, as Ajax played hard despite their valuation.
And now reports have surfaced that United academy graduate Ethan Laird is being the target of Eredivise champions.
๐จ – JUST IN: Manchester United right-back Ethan Laird is Ajax’s new target. He only has 1 year left on his contract and the same player would be eager to change. [@Hamstelaar & @bart_sanders] pic.twitter.com/z6epVih3BU
– ๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ (@TheEuropeanLad) July 19, 2022
According to Dutch football journalist Gerhan Hamstelaar, Laird’s agent has indicated that the Dutch giants are among a number of clubs pursuing the 20-year-old’s signature. This was corroborated by Bart Sanders, presenter of the Pantelic podcast.
The winger, who spent last season on loan with Swansea City and Bournemouth, has one year left on his contract with the Red Devils.
Ten Hag has used it sparingly so far, coming on as a substitute for the second half in two of the three preseason games.
With Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka ahead, the England under-19 international has to figure out what his next step will be.
Laird for Antony?
Laird shone for Swansea in the championship, but his stint with the Cherries didnโt go the way he would have expected. Injuries have not helped either.
Laird himself would be eager to move on to the Dutch league. And United could benefit from this proposal if it comes out.
They are desperate to attack additions with Antony, a firm favorite of the new boss. It looked like the Brazilian would not have a one-play price this season because Ajax paid him a ยฃ 70million price.
But if United include the winger in a deal for the Brazilian international, the price could suit the Red Devils.
Swansea are also interested in returning him on loan after his impressive performances last season.
United are aware they have a year left and could make him sign an extension before making a final decision. Ten Hag has seen it up close and a decision should be made when pre-season commitments start to run out.
Ajax’s interest, together with the fact that it will be strengthened in Antony’s position with Francisco Conceiรงรฃo of FC Porto, could make this an interesting clock in the coming days.