Transfers
Ajax has made two significant player moves this summer. Ko Itakura, who joined from Borussia Mönchengladbach in the summer of 2023 for 10.5 million euros, is now sold. The new agreement between Ajax and Borussia Mönchengladbach includes a total package of between four and five million euros.
Josip Sutalo, who came from Dinamo Zagreb in 2023 for 20.5 million euros, is not permanently sold but is loaned to Lazio this season. The loan deal is 3 million euros and the purchase option is 7.5 million euros excluding bonuses. The option is activated if Sutalo meets certain conditions at Lazio.
Right-Central Position
After the departure of Itakura and the loan of Sutalo, Aaron Bouwman remains the only option for the right side in the heart of the defense under coach Míchel Sánchez. The 18-year-old stopper appeared 14 times for Ajax last season.
Bouwman Analysis
According to SciSports, Bouwman was the worst-performing centre-back in the Eredivisie last season. His defensive positioning, disruption of open play and ability to force transitions caused an xGoals against for Ajax.
FootballTransfers evaluates Bouwman based on his Skill value of 50.6, which is below the average Skill of the Ajax squad (63.0). His Potential is estimated at 68.4, indicating growth potential.
Conclusion
With the sale of Itakura and the loan of Sutalo, Ajax is left without a fixed right-central defender. The club must consider whether Bouwman alone is sufficient. Sutalo's loan to Lazio contains a purchase option of 7.5 million euros.
