How Mourinho could steal one of Man Utd's top transfer targets
Karan Tejwani
- Updated: 28 Sep 2022 13:11 CDT
- 3 min read
Manchester United have long been interested in the signing of Jurrien Timber from Ajax, with Erik ten Hag keen to bring his former defender over to Old Trafford.
The Red Devils wanted to sign him in the summer transfer window but the move was rejected by the defender, who opted to stay at Ajax, in the hope of maintaining his place in the Dutch squad for the World Cup.
Timber is a starter at Ajax and also a starter with the Dutch national team, and it looks like he’ll have a big role to play in the World Cup later this year.
Now, if Manchester United want to sign him, they will have to face competition from others, including Roma, where Jose Mourinho is keen on the player.
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Roma interested in Timber
Mourinho has said to Roma that Timber is a player who he wants to bring over to the Stadio Olimpico and may ask the club to pursue him in future transfer windows.
He wishes to improve his defence in the coming windows and the Ajax defender is on the top of his list of defenders he wants to bring in, given his obvious talent and potential.
Virgil van Dijk with some massive praise for Ajax's Jurriën Timber: "I was nowhere near as far as he is now (at 21). I have nothing but praise for him. He is a great player and a true professional. He has so much potential. Hopefully he can develop further".
— Maxi (@MaaxiAngelo) September 24, 2022
Timber had a breakthrough campaign last year, and was voted Ajax’s Young Player of the Season, as well as the Eredivisie Player of the Year, enhancing his status in the squad.
He was advised against a move to England this year by Dutch manager Louis van Gaal: "I think a player of his quality can play in the Premier League.
“That is not a problem. If he has to make this big step now, that's the question. It is not so wise I think (to move to United). He has to play.”
It seems likely that he’ll be Ajax’s next big sale, and given his long contract and ability, he’ll fetch a big fee for the Dutch club too.
