Manchester United Keen On Signing £35m-Rated Ajax Defender: The Ideal Upgrade On Wan-Bissaka? | OneFootball

Recent reports from The Mirror state that Manchester United are keen on signing Ajax right-back Jurrien Timber in the upcoming transfer window as Ralf Rangnick looks set to add to his options at the back.

The 20-year-old defender played a vital part in the Dutch manager’s title-winning campaign, scoring three goals and assisting another two in 43 appearances across all competitions. As a result, Ten Hag wishes to continue working with Timber at the Theatre of Dreams.

Currently valued at £35 million, his present contract at Ajax runs until 2024.

When asked previously about signing Timber for Manchester United, Ten Hag replied, “I think all the top clubs in Europe have Timber in their sights. But I think that applies to a lot of Ajax players at the moment.”

Having come through the ranks at Ajax, Jurrien Timber made his debut for the senior team in a 3-1 win over SC Heerenveen on 7 March 2020. He put up a very reliable performance in a must-win game as his side needed all three points to stay at the top of the table. Over the course of the last three years, he has made 74 appearances for the Dutch club, bagging 6 goal contributions across all competitions.

Jurrien Timber of Ajax celebrates their side’s victory of the Dutch Eredivisie after the Dutch Eredivisie match between Ajax and sc Heerenveen at Johan Cruijff Arena on May 11, 2022 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

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The six-times Netherlands international has managed to put up some awe-inspiring numbers on the board this season – averaging 2.4 tackles, 1.7 interceptions, 1.4 blocks, 0.5 key passes, and 1.7 long balls per ninety minutes in the Eredivisie (calculated across 30 appearances).  Furthermore, with an average WhoScored rating of 7.40, he has been one of the best players on his side this term. Capable of playing as a centre-back in the hour of need, versatility is one of his main strengths.

The Ideal Upgrade Over Wan-Bissaka And Dalot?

The lack of quality in either fullback position has caused immense damage to Manchester United’s ambitions for the season, with Luke Shaw, Alex Telles, Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka dropping average performances even on their best day. If available, signing Timber will be pretty tempting to the Red Devils, especially given that some cut-price deals will help the rebuild by allowing them to spend a lot more on the premium players.

At 20, the Dutch international has some of the best years ahead of him, so it won’t be a surprise if he adds an entirely new dimension to United’s dynamic at the back next season.

(Stats from WhoScored)