Erik ten Hag expects the transfer market to start in August. The trainer of Ajax is waiting to see what the consequences will be for his selection. He confirms that agreements have been made with Andre Onana, Donny van de Beek and Nicolás Tagliafico.
“For Onana and Van de Beek, another year of Ajax could certainly be an option, for Tagliafico that is slightly different because of his age,” says Ten Hag in The Parool. He already sees a possible replacement on the left back. “In the preparation I will try Lisandro Martínez in that position. He also played in midfield with us, but he is a defender.”
The coach also takes into account a departure from Sergiño Dest. “I know how it is. If I can’t convince him and the right price is paid, I can’t rule out going.” He advises the right back to take the step only when he is ready. “If you go too young, there is a chance of failure. To remain upright in another country, in another league, at the age of twenty, you have to do a lot.”
Ryan Gravenberch will stay with Ajax for at least one more season. The eighteen-year-old midfielder extended his contract. “He will have the opportunity to become a basic player. Whether that will succeed depends on himself,” says Ten Hag, who lists what distinguishes Gravenberch. “His technical qualities, game intelligence and his above-average physical qualities.”
Ten Hag does recognize that ‘dreamer’ Gravenberch needs to be more alert. “He has a lot of interceptions, takes a lot of balls, because he is often in the right place. He has a good observation, also around the penalty area of the opponent. He is a midfielder who can also score a lot of goals.”
– .
