The latest transfer talk surrounding Ajax includes a new defensive target, with Rangers' Emmanuel Fernandez emerging as a recent link. Our analysis of the past seven days shows the club has been tied to five possible arrivals and one potential exit. The hottest storyline right now concerns another Rangers player, Bailey Rice. Below are the latest updates on the most important transfer rumours.
Emmanuel Fernandez
On Monday, it was reported that Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez is the subject of interest from clubs in Europe, including Arsenal, Ajax, and Borussia Dortmund. The club is reportedly expected to demand a minimum of £25m, with the asking price also affected by a sell-on clause held by his former club. Fernandez has three years remaining on his contract, and manager Danny Rohl has acknowledged it would be difficult to turn down a significant offer.
Bailey Rice
Ajax are attempting to sign 19-year-old Scottish midfielder Bailey Rice from Rangers, according to a report on Monday. The player's contract expires this summer, which will make him a free agent. Schalke are also trying to sign Rice and have made an initial offer regarding his personal terms. Rice has not yet agreed to a new contract with Rangers and is reportedly open to considering his options. The midfielder, who has been capped 16 times for Scotland's U19 team, has a current market value of €800k, according to Transfermarkt. Several English clubs, including Aston Villa, West Bromwich Albion, and Sunderland, have also been mentioned in connection with him.
Dani Ceballos
According to AS on Saturday, Ajax are interested in Real Madrid central midfielder Dani Ceballos, who will have one year left on his contract in the summer. A day earlier, Goal.com reported that Ajax are preparing a move for the midfielder, with the Dutch club's sporting director Jordi Cruyff viewing the 29-year-old Spain international as the perfect experienced leader. On Friday, journalist Matteo Moretto stated on Radio Marca that Ceballos's next destination could be Ajax and that contacts have already occurred between the involved parties.
Daley Blind
Daley Blind is set to return to Ajax next season, according to club correspondent Tim van Duijn of Voetbal International on Wednesday. Tim van Duijn stated that Blind is the most obvious name to fill a spot. According to the correspondent, discussions were unsuccessful last summer and winter when Girona demanded a fee of approximately €500,000–€600,000, and Ajax refused to meet that release clause. Blind's contract with Girona expires this summer and will not be renewed. Per Tim van Duijn, Blind will be a free agent and has a desire to end his career at Ajax, with the correspondent confident that the transfer will occur.
Kodai Sano
On Saturday, it was reported that NEC refused to allow Kodai Sano to leave in January, despite having promised him he could, because the club believed he could be sold for a higher price in the summer. Days later, Kodai Sano confirmed that he had been promised a move. NEC has given Jorge Mendes the task of finding the best possible offer for the player.
Wout Weghorst
FC Twente coach John van den Brom discussed the potential arrival of Ajax striker Wout Weghorst with Voetbal International on Saturday. Van den Brom appears not to be opposed to the arrival of Weghorst, whose contract is set to expire at the end of June.
For all the latest transfer news, be sure to check out the Ajax club page.
