What happened?
Ajax's transfer deal with NEC Nijmegen has collapsed, leaving the future of defender Ahmetcan Kaplan uncertain. The 23-year-old centre-back had been on loan at NEC, but the club couldn't afford Ajax's asking price.
Why is this important for Ajax?
Kaplan's position in Amsterdam hasn't changed, and Ajax will want to get a valid fee before a cut-price departure. The Trabzon-born defender began his professional senior career with Trabzonspor and has made 25 appearances for Ajax.
What comes next?
NEC's search for a central defender goes on, and the back-line priority remains in place for head coach Dick Schreuder. The star signing of Dusan Tadic has brightened the mood, but the back-line priority remains in place.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 5th in Eredivisie, 56 pts, 14W-14D-6L from 34 games, recent form DLDWW.
Ajax's league standing is 28 points behind leaders PSV Eindhoven, with 62 goals scored and 41 conceded this season. The team's recent form has been inconsistent, with a recent streak of losses (DLDWW).
Image prompt
A photograph of Ahmetcan Kaplan, a 23-year-old centre-back, in action during a match, with a determined expression on his face, wearing his Ajax jersey and a pair of football boots, with a blurred background.
