Ziyech return is ‘not a priority’
Coach Alfred Schreuder currently only has two fit central defenders at Ajax Amsterdam. Lisandro Magallán (29) and Kik Pierie (22) recently left the Dutch record champions, as did new-Bayer Daley Blind (32), who had helped out in the defensive center before the World Cup. Jurrien Timber (21) and Calvin Bassey (23) remain, as Ahmetcan Kaplan (19) will probably be out for a long time. Reinforcement in this position is therefore necessary and a preferred candidate should already have been found.
How “De Telegraaf‘ reported, Leonardo Balerdi from Olympique Marseille is very popular at Ajax. Accordingly, an offer is being prepared for the former professional from Borussia Dortmund, whose contract with OM is valid until 2026. Schreuder confirmed at a press conference on Friday that a new man would be desirable for the defensive end. “It’s pretty thin in our central defence. We have to see carefully whether we can strengthen ourselves there.” This also has to do with Kaplan’s injury: “It doesn’t look good, it’s about his anterior cruciate ligament.”
Balerdi is a fixture in Marseille’s squad, having not missed a game in Ligue 1 and the Champions League this season. It was different at BVB, where the two-time Argentinian national player did not make his breakthrough. Signed by Boca Juniors for 15.5 million euros at the beginning of 2019, he only made eight appearances for the professionals, twelve more games are booked for the second team of the black and yellow. A year and a half after the move, he was loaned to OM, who then paid €11m for a permanent transfer.
With Blind and Wijndal: Ajax Amsterdam’s most expensive purchases
Ajax coach Schreuder: Ziyech’s return is “not a priority”
However, a possible return of Hakim Ziyech is not an issue for the Amsterdamers. “Everyone knows Ziyech is a great player, but that comes at a price. That’s not a priority for us at the moment,” explained Schreuder. Ziyech joined Chelsea in 2020 after four years at Ajax for €40m, with whom he has a contract until 2025. To date, the Moroccan is Ajax’ sixth most expensive sale in club history.
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