Man Utd face Premier League competition for Ajax wonderkid

4 Dec 2023 03:12 CST
3 min read

Erik ten Hag, Ajax, Manchester United, 2022/23 — © ProShots

Several Premier League clubs are keeping tabs on Ajax midfielder Kenneth Taylor, who was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United last summer.

The 21-year-old is regarded as one of the Netherlands’ most promising youngsters following his breakout onto the senior stage in Amsterdam and he’s now attracted interest from the English top flight.

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As per TEAMTalk, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion are all keeping tabs on Taylor ahead of a potential move in 2024.

Man Utd, Manchester City and Liverpool have all been linked with a deal for the Dutch star previously, with the former’s interest understood to have been significant.

Last summer, Erik ten Hag’s arrival at Old Trafford saw both Lisandro Martinez and Antony follow him from Ajax. The former cost €57.4 million, while the latter became Ajax’s record sale courtesy of his €95m move.

© ProShots - Antony joined Man Utd for €95m last year

Tyrell Malacia also joined the Red Devils from the Eredivisie, while Andre Onana - another former Ten Hag pupil - signed for Man Utd this summer.

Links with a move for Taylor are therefore unsurprising, but a move in January is deemed extremely unlikely, according to TEAMTalk, with Ajax struggling near the bottom of the Dutch top flight. However, a summer exit is seen as possible.

Taylor to leave Ajax?

Taylor has previously stated that former Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum is the player he looks up to. “He is such an all-rounder," Taylor told the FutureWave podcast, via GOAL. “In my opinion he can do anything. He is my example and I believe in my chances of playing for an absolutely top club like him.”

The Netherlands international has made 20 appearances in all competitions so far this season, scoring two goals and providing two assists.

He has three-and-a-half years left on his existing Ajax contract, after signing a new deal in 2022, while his Expected Transfer Value (ETV) stands at €22.5m, as per FootballTransfers’ Player Valuation Model.