Feyenoord‘s Valente Draws Ajax Comparisons, Union SG’s El Hadj Shows Striking Similarities

Luciano Valente has quickly become a key player for Feyenoord since joining this summer from FC Groningen, already making a significant impression with his performances. Though, pundit Valentijn Driessen believes the 21-year-old attacking midfielder, or winger, possesses qualities more suited too a different Dutch giant: Ajax. Interestingly, data from SciSports suggests Union SG’s Anouar Ait El Hadj shares a remarkably similar playing profile.

feyenoord invested just under seven million euros in Valente, a fee that could rise to over eight million euros with performance-based bonuses. His six appearances for the club have demonstrated he’s worth the investment,currently boasting an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €9.3 million. While yet to score for his new club, Valente has started three of six league matches, including a full 90-minute performance against SC Heerenveen last weekend.

“He really played football very well,” Driessen commented. “I think he’s much more an Ajax footballer than a Feyenoord footballer. He sees very good solutions, has incisive passes, has a good head on him, is strong and occasionally dares to stick out his leg. I think he is the best Feyenoorder at the moment.”

ait El Hadj: A Mirror Image?

While a move to Ajax was never on the cards for Valente, SciSports data reveals a striking similarity between him and Anouar Ait El Hadj, currently playing for union Sint-Gillois. The data shows a 95% similarity between the two players.

Both are defined as attacking midfielders who blend elements of a box-to-box midfielder and a shadow striker. they consistently operate in the opponent’s half, contributing to both build-up play and attacking movements with frequent passing combinations.

[Image of SciSports graphic comparing Valente and Ait El Hadj]

This underlines a potential trend – a specific profile of player increasingly valued in modern football, and one that both Feyenoord and Union SG are benefitting from.

What factors beyond Aït el Hadj’s performance could influence his transfer fee, mirroring the impact of agent networks in the Nusa deal?

Can Ajax Secure a Deal Comparable to Valente’s with Aït el Hadj as a Potential Target?

Ajax’s recent transfer market activity has been…complex. Following the successful, and financially rewarding, sale of Mohammed Kudus to West Ham, attention turns to potential incomings and further player sales. One name consistently linked with a move away from the Johan Cruijff ArenA is Mohammed Aït el Hadj, the young Moroccan winger. The question isn’t if he’ll leave, but where and, crucially, for how much? Can Ajax replicate the shrewd business done with Antonio nusa’s move to club Brugge – a deal orchestrated by agent Jorge Mendes, mirroring the Valente connection – and secure a comparable fee for Aït el Hadj?

The Valente Deal: A Benchmark for Ajax

The transfer of Antonio Nusa to Club Brugge, facilitated by agent Pini Zahavi and with strong ties to jorge Valente, set a new benchmark for Ajax’s transfer strategy. The deal,reportedly exceeding €23 million with notable add-ons,demonstrated ajax’s ability to leverage agent networks and create competitive bidding situations. This success wasn’t just about the fee; it was about the structure of the deal, maximizing potential future earnings. Key takeaways from the Nusa transfer include:

* Agent Influence: The pivotal role of Zahavi and Valente in driving up the price and structuring favorable terms.

* Competitive Bidding: Generating interest from multiple clubs, forcing them to compete for the player.

* Add-on Structure: Including performance-based add-ons that could substantially increase the overall fee.

* Strategic Timing: Selling at a point of peak value, capitalizing on the player’s current form and potential.

This model is now the template Ajax will aim to follow with Aït el Hadj. The success with Nusa has raised expectations for future sales.

Aït el Hadj: Assessing His Market Value

Mohammed Aït el Hadj, 20, possesses undeniable talent. His dribbling skills, pace, and eye for goal make him an attractive prospect for many European clubs. However, his inconsistent performances and limited game time under Maurice Steijn have impacted his perceived market value. estimating his worth requires considering several factors:

* Age & Potential: A young player with significant room for development. This inherently adds a premium.

* Current Form: His recent performances haven’t been consistently impressive, perhaps lowering his immediate value.

* Contract Situation: Aït el Hadj’s contract runs until 2027, giving Ajax a strong negotiating position.

* League Reputation: Playing in the Eredivisie, while a good development league, doesn’t carry the same weight as the Premier League, La Liga, or Bundesliga.

* Comparable Sales: Looking at recent transfers of players with similar profiles (e.g., Johan Bakayoko, Andreas Skov Olsen) provides a benchmark.

Current estimates place Aït el Hadj’s value between €15-€20 million. Though, replicating the Nusa deal hinges on Ajax’s ability to generate a bidding war.

The Role of Agents and Networks: The Valente Connection

Just as with Nusa,the involvement of agents with strong connections is crucial. reports suggest Jorge Valente is again playing a key role in potential moves for Aït el Hadj. Valente’s network, particularly within Portugal and Spain, could be instrumental in attracting interest from clubs like Benfica, Sporting CP, or even Real Betis.

* Portuguese Interest: Several Portuguese clubs have previously expressed interest in Aït el Hadj, viewing him as a potential long-term investment.

* Spanish Suitors: La Liga clubs are always on the lookout for young, exciting talent, and Aït el Hadj fits that profile.

* Premier league Monitoring: While less prominent, some Premier League clubs are reportedly monitoring his situation.

The key is leveraging these connections to create a competitive auction. Ajax needs to actively promote Aït el Hadj to these clubs, highlighting his potential and showcasing his best performances.

Potential Suitors and Likely Transfer Fees

Several clubs have been linked with Aït el Hadj. Here’s a breakdown of potential suitors and realistic transfer fee expectations:

Achieving a fee comparable to Nusa’s (€23m+) will require Ajax to:

1. Maximize Exposure: Ensure Aït el Hadj gets consistent playing time to showcase his abilities.

2