Heitinga challenges Wijndal with Kerkez’s example: “He has to show it in pre-season!” | OneFootball

Owen Wijndal seemed to have no future at Ajax, but the 25-year-old left back will get the chance to prove himself in pre-season under John Heitinga. The Amsterdam side’s new manager has given the former AZ player a chance to follow in Milos Kerkez’s footsteps.

Wijndal joined Ajax from AZ in 2022 for 10 million euros and seemed destined to become Ajax’s new left-back. However, the 11-cap Oranje international rarely reached the level he achieved in Alkmaar. After a loan spell at Royal Antwerp, the Zaandam native was told he could leave last year, but manager Francesco Farioli kept him in the squad and ultimately used Wijndal 13 more times. With Heitinga’s return, there seem to be new opportunities for Wijndal.

“He has to show it in pre-season!” Heitinga said in an interview. “So far, he’s been going full throttle. I’ve sat down with him and given him the example of Milos Kerkez. He replaced him at AZ, then he went to Bournemouth, and now even to Liverpool.

“So: ‘What do you want? What are your ambitions? You’ll get the pre-season in any case. Then the moment will come when we make the decision.’ I’ve also spoken to Arne (Slot) about him. He has to show it, just like the rest.”

GBeNeFN | Max Bradfield