AFC Ajax is active in the transfer market and considering experienced defender Thilo Kehrer as a potential reinforcement. The Amsterdam club is exploring a loan deal with AS Monaco for the 29-year-old German international, as reported by Voetbal International on Tuesday. The transfer deadline closes on Wednesday night, leaving technical director Míchel Sánchez with little time. Ajax currently sits fourth in the Eredivisie with seven points from three games and a goal difference of +6.
Why Ajax needs a new defender
The defensive need is urgent at Ajax following the departure of two key centre-backs. Ko Itakura and Josip Sutalo left the club this summer. Manager Míchel Sánchez commented on the situation, saying: "Through the departure of Ko Itakura and Josip Sutalo has trainer Míchel Sánchez on that position now only the description over the jonge Aaron Bouwman." This leaves young Aaron Bouwman as the only natural option for the right centre-back role. With a busy schedule ahead, including a crucial home match against PSV Eindhoven on September 5th, the club aims to bolster its defence.
What makes Thilo Kehrer an interesting option?
Thilo Kehrer brings a wealth of experience. The 29-year-old German has 28 caps and has previously played for top clubs like Schalke 04, Paris Saint-Germain, and West Ham United. His profile fits what Ajax is looking for: an experienced player who can contribute immediately. His situation at Monaco has changed. Since the arrival of manager Filipe Luís, he has lost his starting spot. "Is sinds de komst van trainer Filipe Luís zijn basisplaats kwijtgeraakt en dus is Monaco bereid om mee te werken aan een verhuur," the source stated. A loan deal therefore seems a logical step for all parties. Ajax recently completed a permanent transfer for Caio Henrique from Monaco as well.
How does this fit into the broader transfer strategy?
The potential arrival of Kehrer is not the only move Ajax is working on. The club is also finalising the signing of Simon Adingra. The attacker could become the next loan signing after Marc ter Stegen and Tolu Arokodare. This activity highlights the desire to improve the squad in both depth and experience for the coming months. Fans can track the current team composition on our squad page.
What does this mean for the coming weeks?
Timing is crucial. With the transfer deadline looming on Wednesday night, Ajax must act quickly. A last-minute reinforcement could give the team a boost for the important run of fixtures ahead. Ajax is five points behind leaders AZ Alkmaar and wants to close that gap. The next opportunity is the top-of-the-table clash against second-placed PSV, visible in our fixtures. Adding a seasoned defender like Kehrer could benefit defensive stability, especially considering the eight goals Ajax has already scored this season. The full league table is available on the standings page. The final training session before the PSV match is on Friday, September 4th.
