Tag: Ajax Amsterdam

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Ex-Man Utd defender Blind terminates Ajax contract six months early

Daley Blind

Mueez Ajao

– Daley Blind will leave Ajax after agreeing to terminate his contract six months early, leaving the player as a free agent, the Eredivisie club announced on Tuesday.

– Blind, 32, made his debut for Ajax in 2008 and, after a four-season stint in the Premier League with Manchester United, returned to Amsterdam in 2018 to win Dutch league titles in 2019, 2021 and 2022.

– “I hope he can find another club to end his successful career with. Together with Daley, we have decided on a match in the Arena where he can say a proper goodbye to the supporters,” Ajax chief executive Edwin van der Sar said.

Also Read: Napoli put five past Ajax in Amsterdam

– The 32-year-old won seven titles with Ajax, making 333 appearances, scoring 13 goals and contributing 21 assists.

– Blind played almost every minute of Netherlands run to the quarterfinals of this year’s World Cup in Qatar, scoring in their round-of-16 win over the United States.

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Rangers set record for worst group stage in Champions League history

Mueez Ajao

– A harrowing first Champions League campaign in 12 years for Rangers came to a close with the ignominy of a new pointless record for the group phase.

– Rangers needed an improbable five-goal swing to beat Ajax to third place and the Europa League. What they got was another painful reminder of the ruthless quality in this tournament.

– Goals from Steven Berghuis, Mohammed Kudus and Francisco Conceicao made it six straight defeats for the Ibrox men, as a James Tavernier penalty left them with a goal difference of minus 20.

Also Read: Salah hits fastest UCL hat-trick as Liverpool run riot at Rangers

– Rangers are the first Scottish team to go through the group phase without a point and become the 22nd side in the history of the competition to do so.

– Dinamo Zagreb had previously held the unwanted worst record with a minus 19 goal difference from season 2011-12 – a tally matched by Viktoria Plzen this term but eclipsed by the Scottish Premiership side

– Injuries have hampered Rangers but the gulf between the Glasgow team and their Group A opponents has been stark.

– The air was still thick with smoke from Ajax fans’ pre-match pyrotechnics when the visitors struck. A slick move opened up the Rangers defence, with Kudus providing a neat lay-off for Berghuis to side-foot beyond Allan McGregor.

– The home side responded in determined style, with former Ibrox favourite Calvin Bassey denying his old team-mate Fashion Sakala with a goal-line clearance.

– However, further defensive frailties were exposed with Kudus given far too much time inside the penalty area and his shot going in via a big deflection off Leon King.

– Now Ajax were brimming with confidence and it took a good diving save from McGregor to deny Steven Bergwijn before the same player drilled an angled shot narrowly wide.

– That passage of play prompted loud boos from home fans fed up with a perceived lack of application from their side and there was another scare just before half-time as Kudus was close to turning in a mis-hit strike from Berghuis.

– Supporters had to be content with cheering the odd hard tackle in a largely dreary second half as the hosts battled for a way back and Ajax dropped their tempo.

– The impressive Kudus was denied a second goal after a VAR check for offside, while Scott Arfield’s dipping volley had to be tipped over by Remko Pasveer.

– Alfredo Morelos then somehow skewed his shot wide of an open goal before Rabbi Matondo was bundled over for a 87th-minute penalty, which Tavernier slotted down the middle for just Rangers’ second goal in these six outings.

– That looked like staving off the dreaded record until Conceicao was allowed to jink forward and drill in a third for Ajax.

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Nerveless Napoli through to last-16

Napoli FC

Mueez Ajao

– Napoli kept up their 100% record in the Champions League group phase and secured progress to the knockout stages by beating Ajax 4-2 at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium on Wednesday.

– Early goals from Hirving Lozano and Giacomo Raspadori put the Serie A leaders comfortably ahead by the 16-minute mark and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia added a second-half penalty after Davy Klaassen had pulled one back for Ajax.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

– The Dutch club made a desperate bid for a share of the spoils as Steven Bergwijn converted an 83rd-minute penalty to bring the score back to 3-2 but a horror defensive error allowed Victor Osimhen to score Napoli’s fourth in the final minute.

Also Read: Three late goals send Napoli back to the top

– Napoli’s 12-point haul means they are guaranteed a top-two finish in Group A, having scored 17 goals in four matches.

– They join holders Real Madrid, Club Brugge and Manchester City as teams through to the round of 16 in February.

– Any hopes Ajax had of revenging last week’s 6-1 humiliation at the Amsterdam Arena — their heaviest defeat in European club competition — were handed a blow in the opening salvoes of the match.

– Lozano played a quick give-and-go with Piotr Zielinski, heading the lofted return ball into the net as Ajax’s defence were caught static in the fourth minute.

– While the Dutch club had several half chances for a quick equaliser, Napoli went down the other end with a flowing run on the left from Kvaratskhelia, who played the ball inside for Raspadori to rifle a powerful shot into the net.

– Ajax looked the brighter of the two sides immediately after the break and they got an instant reward as Klaassen headed home from Calvin Bassey’s inch-perfect cross in the 49th minute.

– Napoli’s two goal advantage was restored in the 62nd minute after a VAR review found Jurrien Timber had handled in his area and Kvaratskhelia converted the resultant spotkick.

– Ajax were awarded a penalty of their own seven minutes from time, which offered them hope of snatching a point when substitute Brian Brobbey was brought down and Bergwijn scored from the spot.

– But those hopes were extinguished in the last minute when Daley Blind was dispossessed by Osimhen as the Nigerian striker marked his return from injury with a goal.

– “These players did something immense tonight and brought to the pitch the pride of the Neapolitans,” Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti said.

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Napoli put five past Ajax in Amsterdam

Giacomo Raspadori

Mueez Ajao

– Napoli came from behind to demolish Ajax in the Champions League and continue their sensational start to the season.

– Mohammed Kudus gave the Dutch side an early lead but Giacomo Raspadori headed in an equaliser, Giovanni di Lorenzo put Napoli ahead and Piotr Zielinski made it 3-1 just before the break.

Mohammed Kudus

– Raspadori curled in his second and then set up Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to score.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

Also Read: Napoli maintain undefeated record to stay top of Serie A

– Ajax’s Dusan Tadic was sent off before Giovanni Simeone netted a sixth.

– Napoli, who had a squad rebuild in the summer as youngsters replaced several veterans, are unbeaten in all competitions this season.

– Luciano Spalletti’s side top Serie A and Champions League Group A, where they have scored 13 goals in three wins and sit three points above Liverpool – who beat Rangers 2-0.

Napoli FC

– This was Ajax’s biggest European defeat, their heaviest defeat in any competition since 1964 and their joint largest home loss.

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Matip’s late header gives Liverpool win over Ajax

Liverpool FC

Mueez Ajao

– Liverpool secured a last-gasp 2-1 victory over Ajax on Tuesday to kickstart their Champions League campaign this season.

– Joel Matip scored in the 89th minute to give Jurgen Klopp’s side a much-needed win after their 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Napoli last week.

– Mohamed Salah opened the scoring at Anfield but the visitors quickly fought back with a well-taken Mohammed Kudus strike.

Mohammed Kudus

Also Read: Napoli trash Liverpool in Champions League

– However, Matip’s late header from a corner earned Liverpool their first win in the Champions League this season.

Joel Matip

– “I had a few opportunities before, so I was happy that I could score,” Matip told BT Sport after the game. “I wasn’t sure [it was in] to be honest but when I saw the referee, then the emotions came out.

– “It was a long and tough game. We were pushing forward the whole team, defending from the first second and then it was a happy end for us.”

– Liverpool started brightly and took a deserved lead after 17 minutes when Diogo Jota set up Salah to open the scoring with a close-range finish.

– The hosts came close to doubling their lead with quickfire chances but Salah, Luis Diaz and Jota failed to hit the target.

– Liverpool were punished for their missed chances after 27 minutes when Ajax put together a fine move which ended with Kudus producing a stunning strike past Alisson.

– The Premier League side responded well from the equaliser but Ajax goalkeeper Remko Pasveer denied Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

– Liverpool continued their domination in the second half but Ajax limited them to few clear-cut chances.

– With 15 minutes remaining, Ajax caught Liverpool on the break and almost went ahead but Daley Blind’s close-range header missed the target.

– Substitute Darwin Nunez came close late on while Salah clipped the post with a deflected effort.

– The hosts grabbed the winner from the resulting corner through Matip’s header to earn them a valuable victory.

– “It was very important to show a positive reaction,” Van Dijk told BT Sport in his postmatch interview. “It’s not easy to turn it around, but it is a step in the right direction.

– “During the game there were great moments. It was very important to win going into the international break.

– “I should have scored. We felt dangerous in the set-piece, especially corners, and it was our responsibility to convert one — thankfully Joel [Matip] did.

– “We are not listening to the outside world. A lot of ex-football players, who know what we go through, they say a lot to get us down, but we know the last game was very bad and this was a step in the right direction.”

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OFFICIAL: Antony joins Man United from Ajax

Antony

Mueez Ajao

– Manchester United have signed Brazil winger Antony from Ajax for an initial fee of 95m euros (£82m).

– The deal, which includes a potential 5m euros (£4.3m) of add-ons, is the fourth most expensive signing in Premier League history.

– The 22-year-old has signed a contract until 2027, with the option of an additional year.

Also Read: BREAKING: Man United agree fee to sign Antony from Ajax

– “This is an incredible moment in my career to join one of the most iconic clubs in the world,” said Antony.

– “I’m thankful to everyone who has believed in me, especially my family, and all my coaches and team-mates, because I could not have got here without them.

– “Playing under Erik ten Hag at Ajax was perfect for me and my development. His style of football and coaching brings out the best in me, and I am excited by what he has told me about his plans and ambitions in Manchester.”

– Antony scored 24 goals and provided 22 assists in 82 appearances for Ajax. He joined the Dutch champions from Sao Paulo in 2020 and played under Ten Hag.

Erik Ten Hag and Antony

– He netted seven goals in 11 Champions League appearances for Ajax and scored twice in nine appearances for Brazil since making his debut in October 2021.

– Manchester United’s record transfer fee is £89m, which they paid out to sign Paul Pogba from Juventus in August 2016.

– The attacker becomes United’s fifth signing of the summer, following the arrivals of his former Ajax team-mate and defender Lisandro Martinez, midfielder Casemiro from Real Madrid, full-back Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord and playmaker Christian Eriksen on a free transfer.

– United have spent more than £210m in this transfer window to back new boss Ten Hag, while several players such as Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, Nemanja Matic, Edinson Cavani and Andreas Pereira have left.

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BREAKING: Man United agree fee to sign Antony from Ajax

Anthony

Mueez Ajao

– Manchester United have agreed a fee to sign winger Antony from Ajax, it was confirmed Tuesday.

– Sources told that the deal is worth an initial €95 million with another €5m in add-ons, which will make it the second-most-expensive transfer in United’s history behind Paul Pogba, who joined from Juventus for a then-world-record £89.3m (€105m) in 2016.

– The deal is subject to a medical, player terms being finalised and international clearance.

Also Read: Ajax reject Man United’s bumper bid for Anthony

– Antony will be reunited with his former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag, who will complete his fifth signing of the summer after bringing in Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro.

Lisandro Martinez and Anthony
Anthony and Lisandro Martinez

– The 22-year-old will give United another option in attack after Anthony Martial suffered an Achilles tendon injury in the 2-1 win against Liverpool last week.

– Antony signed for Ajax from Sao Paulo in 2020 and has made 82 appearances for the Eredivisie giants, scoring 25 goals.

– He has also been capped nine times for Brazil, scoring twice.

– Ten Hag’s side have responded to back-to-back defeats to Brighton and Brentford with victories against Liverpool and Southampton, lifting them off the bottom of the Premier League table.

– This is the statement signing Erik ten Hag has been wanting to make all summer – and the fee underlines how keen United were to satisfy their new manager before Thursday’s deadline closes.

– Predominately left-footed, Antony likes to cut in off the right flank. He has exceptional pace, an ability to create chances from nothing and a willingness to work hard.

– In a sense, he is very much like the players who already occupy the wide positions at United.

– But it is clear Ten Hag wants greater depth and higher quality. He has already worked out that – as a collective – the players he inherited were not good enough.

– The big question is whether Antony’s arrival will trigger a change of system – or put someone’s place under threat, or both.

– And, as ever, debate will be around Ronaldo and how he fits in a team which has even more pace than before.

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BREAKING: Man United reach agreement with Ajax to sign Antony

Anthony

Mueez Ajao

– Manchester United are close to agreeing a deal for Ajax winger Antony.

– Negotiations between the clubs have progressed well over the weekend and there is now confidence an agreement will be reached before the transfer deadline on Thursday.

– United have had bids of €80m and €90m rejected by Ajax — the latest on Friday — but the Dutch side have indicated they are willing to accept an offer of close to €99m.

Also Read: Ajax reject Man United’s bumper bid for Anthony

– Sources have told that the deal is not done, but a breakthrough in negotiations has significantly increased the likelihood of an agreement being reached in the remaining days of the window.

– Antony has made it clear he wants to leave Ajax to be reunited with his former manager Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.

– Ten Hag is keen to bolster his forward line before the close of the window, particularly after Anthony Martial picked up an achilles injury.

– The France international missed the first two games of the season with a hamstring problem sustained during preseason.

– Antony would become United’s fifth summer signing following the arrivals of Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Casemiro.

– The winger, capped nine times by Brazil, scored 12 goals in 33 games for Ajax last season.

– He arrived in Amsterdam from Sao Paulo in 2020 for an initial €15m fee.

– The 22-year-old was left out of the Ajax squad for their 1-0 win over Sparta Rotterdam last weekend and also missed the fixture against Utrecht on Sunday, while United remained locked in talks with the Dutch champions.

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Ajax reject Man United’s bumper bid for Anthony

Anthony

Mueez Ajao

– Ajax have rejected Manchester United’s improved £76million bid for Brazilian winger Antony.

– The Dutch champions and coach Alfred Schreuder are insisting that the 22-year-old is not for sale despite the scale of the offer.

– Antony is desperate to join United, having trained on his own in recent days, and now hopes Ajax’s finance directors intervene, reasoning that such an offer may not come again.

Also Read: Man U willing to re-sign Depay before transfer deadline

– He and his representatives had been growing frustrated over the time it was taking United to make their improved bid as he hoped to be a United player by this weekend.

– However, Ajax are standing firm. They have been struggling to find a suitable replacement after Chelsea refused to sanction a loan deal for Hakim Ziyech, saying they preferred to sell for £37m.

– Ajax have discussed Fulham target Justin Kluivert at Roma and Aston Villa’s Anwar El Ghazi but have still to agree on a main candidate.

– United are now considering whether to increase their offer with Antony’s camp believing £84m could be Ajax’s desired price. For now the player is refusing to train and will be left out of the squad to face Utrecht this weekend.

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Ajax reject Man United’s bumper bid for Antony

Anthony

Mueez Ajao

– Ajax have rejected an €80million bid from Manchester United for their Brazilian winger Antony, according to David Ornstein.

– The Red Devils have been chasing Antony ever since Erik ten Hag became the club’s new manager back in May.

– The Premier League side went into the summer transfer window full of optimism, with Frenkie de Jong, Antony, Jurrien Timber and Darwin Nunez all linked with a move to Old Trafford.

Also Read: Man United target Athletico Matheus Cunha

– Two months later, they have not convinced De Jong to join and Antony and Timber are still with Ajax in Amsterdam, with the latter this week signing a new contract at Ajax.

– Nunez, meanwhile, joined arch-rivals Liverpool in July for a reported club-record fee.

– It appears that United have finally accepted defeat in their pursuit of De Jong having registered an interest in Juventus’ Adrien Rabiot and Real Madrid’s Casemiro.

– They had a £15m bid for Rabiot accepted by the Serie A side, however, could not come to an agreement on personal terms.

– United’s pursuit of Casemiro is looking pretty positive with Madrid reportedly open to letting him leave for the right price.

– A wide forward is still on the agenda for Ten Hag and the Red Devils have been linked with Atletico Madrid winger Yannick Carrasco this week.

– And according to The Athletic correspondent David Ornstein, United have revived their interest in Antony after focusing on other targets over the past few weeks.

– Ornstein claims the Premier League club made a huge €80m (£67.6m) bid to sign the Brazilian, but it was rejected by Ajax.

– It has been reported that Ajax are hoping to receive £80m (€94m) for the 22-year-old.

– It will be a huge challenge for Manchester United to complete the signing of Antony, though Ten Hag is desperate to improve his forward line.

– Following the rejection of their most recent bid, the Red Devils’ hierarchy are ‘not optimistic’ in bringing the former Sao Paulo winger to the club.

– Ajax are unsurprisingly very keen to retain the player and it is believed that PSV winger Cody Gakpo is a more realistic target for United.

– United are still prioritising a central midfielder, but are still in the market for a winger, striker, right-back and back-up goalkeeper.

– It promises to be a hectic final two weeks of the summer window for the Premier League club.

– The clubs’ fans are in dire need of some positive news following United’s torrid start to the Premier League season.

– They were beaten 2-1 by Brighton at Old Trafford on the opening weekend of the season before an embarrassing 4-0 loss at Brentford last Saturday.