FC Porto have made a new and improved bid for AFC Ajax forward Steven Baas. The Portuguese giants have been trying to sign the 22-year-old striker from Amsterdam for some time, according to a report from De Telegraaf this week.
The exact size of the new offer is not known. Previous attempts by Porto were rejected by Ajax for being too low. Baas is under contract with the Amsterdam club until mid-2028, which gives Ajax a strong negotiating position. The player himself is said to be open to a move to the Portuguese league.
What does this mean for the Ajax squad?
Steven Baas is a key figure in Ajax's attack. Last season he scored 12 goals in the Eredivisie. His departure would create a significant gap in the forward line. Manager Maurice Steijn currently also has Brian Brobbey and Chuba Akpom at his disposal, but depth at the striker position is limited. The current squad setup can be viewed on our squad page.
Ajax has already invested heavily in strengthening the team during this transfer window. The club could decide to reinvest any potential Baas transfer fee directly back into the squad. The technical staff is monitoring several options both domestically and abroad.
How does this bid relate to the club's finances?
A substantial sale of Baas could further bolster Ajax's financial health. The club posted an operational loss last season, but player sales are a major revenue stream. The Amsterdam side is known for its ability to develop academy players and sell them for a profit. Baas, a product of the youth academy himself, fits that profile.
A transfer could also create room within the salary cap for potential new signings. The coming weeks are decisive, as the transfer window will close soon. Fans can follow squad developments closely via our standings and stats pages, which also track the performances of current players.
What are the options for Steven Baas?
For Steven Baas himself, a move to FC Porto offers the chance to play in a different league and experience Champions League football. Porto is a mainstay at the top of Portuguese football and regularly plays in Europe. It is a logical next step in the career of an ambitious player.
If he stays at Ajax, he is almost certain to be a starter under Maurice Steijn. The club aims to reclaim the domestic title and is competing in the Europa League. Baas could then play a leading role in that project. His current contract provides him with security until the summer of 2028.
The coming days will bring clarity regarding the future of the forward. Ajax plays its next league match on Saturday, September 12th at home against FC Utrecht.
