Ajax Overlooked Transfer Opportunity, Van der Gijp Criticizes Squad Enhancement Decision

ajax Under Fire: Transfer Policy and Goalkeeping Decisions Questioned

November 4, 2025

Amsterdam – A scathing assessment of Ajax‘s recent transfer dealings and goalkeeping strategy emerged Monday, with prominent football commentators delivering sharp critiques of the club’s decisions. The focus of the debate centered on the signing of Oscar gloukh and the continued reliance on 41-year-old Remko Pasveer in goal.

Gloukh’s Performance Raises Concerns

Valentijn Driessen, a leading football analyst, directed criticism towards Oscar Gloukh, the Israeli midfielder acquired from Red Bull Salzburg last summer for a reported fee exceeding €14.75 million, potentially rising to €17.25 million with performance-based bonuses. Despite initial promise, Gloukh’s recent displays have prompted questions regarding his impact and suitability for the team.

Driessen specifically highlighted a moment during a recent match against SC Heerenveen, where Gloukh was easily overtaken by an opponent. “He lacks the necessary intensity,” driessen stated,suggesting a deficiency in pace and proactivity. “He seems to operate at a slower tempo, hindering his effectiveness.”

Pasveer’s Position under Scrutiny

Goalkeeper remko Pasveer also came under fire following a concession of a goal from distance. while Pasveer acknowledged duty, attributing blame to a lack of defensive support was deemed “weak” by Driessen. Johan Derksen concurred, asserting that a proficient goalkeeper should have secured the save.

The discussion extended to a missed opportunity to sign Robin Roefs last summer. According to René van der Gijp, Ajax’s failure to secure Roefs-who afterward joined Sunderland and has played a key role in their surprising Premier League performance-was a notable error in judgment. Sunderland currently sits fourth in the Premier League as of November 2025, a testament to roefs’ contribution.

Gijp criticized the decision to instead pursue a loan deal for Viteslav Jaros from Liverpool, given the perceived cost concerns surrounding Roefs. He argued that retaining a veteran goalkeeper like Pasveer, aged 42, is a short-term solution that dose not address the long-term needs of the club.

“Relying on a goalkeeper in his early forties is simply not a sustainable strategy,” Gijp emphasized. “Investing in a young,developing talent like Roefs would have been a far more prudent approach.” Derksen echoed this sentiment, recognizing Roefs’ current success at Sunderland.

Key Player Comparisons

Player	Age (Nov 2025)	Current Club	Transfer Status
Remko Pasveer	42	Ajax	Current Goalkeeper
Robin Roefs	24	Sunderland	Missed Transfer Opportunity
Oscar Gloukh	19	Ajax	Recent Acquisition

Did You know? Sunderland’s unexpected climb in the Premier League is largely attributed to the strong goalkeeping performance of Robin Roefs, a player Ajax opted not to pursue.

Pro tip: Evaluating player performance metrics beyond customary statistics-such as pace, intensity, and decision-making speed-can provide a more comprehensive assessment of a player’s suitability for a team’s tactical approach.

The Importance of Youth Progress in Football

The Ajax situation highlights a broader trend in modern football: the increasing importance of nurturing and integrating young talent. Clubs that prioritize youth development often benefit from long-term stability and financial sustainability. Investing in emerging players not only strengthens the team on the field but also creates a pipeline of future stars.

Moreover, effective scouting networks are crucial for identifying promising young players before their value escalates. teams must balance the immediate need for results with the long-term goal of building a competitive squad through strategic player development. UEFA’s guidelines on youth development emphasize the importance of a holistic approach, encompassing technical skills, tactical understanding, and mental fortitude.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ajax’s Form

• What is the primary criticism of Ajax’s recent transfer policy?

  The main criticism revolves around questionable player acquisitions, particularly oscar Gloukh, and a perceived failure to secure promising young talents like Robin roefs.

• Why is Remko Pasveer’s position as goalkeeper being debated?

  At 42,Pasveer’s age is a concern,and some believe Ajax should have prioritized a younger,developing goalkeeper.

• How is Robin Roefs performing at Sunderland?

  Roefs has been a key player for Sunderland, contributing to their surprisingly strong performance in the Premier league.

• What are the potential long-term implications of Ajax’s current strategy?

  A continued reliance on older players and questionable transfer decisions could hinder Ajax’s long-term competitiveness and financial stability.

• How critically important is youth development for football clubs?

  Youth development is increasingly vital for sustained success, providing a long-term pipeline of talent and financial benefits.

What do you think about Ajax’s current situation? share your thoughts in the comments below!

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How could Ajax have maximized their return on Mohammed Kudus’s transfer, and what factors contributed to their perceived undervaluation?

The Missed Opportunity: Mohammed Kudus & Ajax’s Transfer Strategy

Recent criticism leveled by Dutch football analyst René van der gijp centers on Ajax’s decision-making during the summer transfer window, specifically regarding Mohammed Kudus. Van der Gijp argues that Ajax significantly undervalued Kudus, ultimately allowing him to move to West ham United for a fee that could have been substantially higher had they capitalized on earlier interest. This perceived misstep highlights a broader concern about Ajax’s current squad building and transfer market acumen. The Kudus transfer saga, a key talking point in Eredivisie news, has sparked debate about the club’s financial strategy and long-term vision.

* Initial valuation: Reports suggest Ajax initially placed a lower valuation on Kudus than other clubs were willing to pay.

* Competing Offers: Several clubs, including potentially Chelsea and Paris saint-Germain, expressed interest in Kudus throughout the summer.

* West ham’s Bid: West Ham ultimately secured Kudus’s signature for a reported £34 million, a figure Van der Gijp believes Ajax should have exceeded.

Van der gijp’s Scathing Assessment of Ajax’s Squad Enhancement

Van der Gijp’s critique extends beyond the Kudus transfer, focusing on the overall quality of Ajax’s summer acquisitions. He contends that the players brought in haven’t sufficiently addressed the team’s weaknesses and lack the star power needed to compete at the highest level in the UEFA Champions League and domestically in the Dutch League. He specifically questioned the impact of new signings, suggesting they represent a downgrade in quality compared to the players who departed.

Key Points of Van der Gijp’s Criticism:

1. Lack of Vision: He argues Ajax lacks a clear, long-term strategy for squad building, relying rather on short-term fixes.
2. Insufficient Quality: The new signings, in his opinion, don’t possess the necessary quality to elevate Ajax’s performance.
3. Financial Mismanagement: The Kudus transfer is cited as an example of financial mismanagement, highlighting a failure to maximize player value.
4. Impact on champions League Prospects: Van der Gijp believes these decisions significantly diminish Ajax’s chances of success in the Champions League.

the Kudus Transfer: A Case Study in Player Valuation

The Kudus situation serves as a valuable case study in player valuation within modern football. Several factors contributed to the final transfer fee:

* Player Performance: kudus’s impressive performances for Ajax, notably in the Champions League, significantly increased his market value.

* Contract Situation: Kudus had a relatively short remaining contract, putting pressure on Ajax to either renew or sell.

* Market Demand: High demand from multiple clubs drove up the bidding price.

* Agent Influence: The role of Kudus’s representatives in negotiating the transfer also played a crucial part.

This transfer highlights the importance of proactive contract negotiations and a realistic assessment of a player’s worth in the current market.Analyzing football transfer news reveals a consistent trend of clubs undervaluing assets, leading to missed financial opportunities.

Ajax’s Response and Future Transfer Strategy

Ajax has remained relatively quiet in response to Van der Gijp’s criticism. However, the club is reportedly reviewing its transfer strategy to avoid similar situations in the future.Potential changes include:

* Improved Scouting Network: investing in a more robust scouting network to identify and secure promising talent earlier.

* Proactive Contract Extensions: Prioritizing contract extensions for key players to maintain their value.

* Realistic Valuation: Adopting a more realistic and data-driven approach to player valuation.

* strengthening Negotiation Team: Enhancing the club’s negotiation team to secure optimal transfer fees.

The club’s ability to adapt and learn from this experience will be crucial for its future success. monitoring Ajax transfer rumors will provide insight into their evolving approach.

The Broader Implications for Dutch Football

This situation isn’t isolated to Ajax. It reflects a broader trend within Dutch football of clubs struggling to retain their top talent and compete financially with larger European leagues. The Eredivisie ofen serves as a stepping stone for players destined for the Premier League, La liga, or Serie A.

* Financial Disparity: The notable financial disparity between the Eredivisie and other major leagues makes it tough for Dutch clubs to compete for player wages and transfer fees.

* Talent Drain: The constant outflow of talent weakens the overall quality of the league.

* Need for Investment: Increased investment in Dutch football is needed to improve infrastructure, scouting, and player progress.

The Kudus transfer serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Dutch clubs in the modern football landscape. Staying competitive requires strategic planning, astute financial management, and a commitment to developing young talent.