Andre Onana: Speaking to The National prior to the semi-final, former Tottenham and Ajax manager Martin Jol described Onana as “one of the best young goalkeepers in the world”. Having turned 23 only last month, admittedly there should be plenty of potential for further improvement even if his ability is already apparent. The Cameroon shot-stopper, a graduate from Barcelona’s La Masia academy, has been tipped for a return to Camp Nou, especially with Jasper Cillessen likely to leave this summer. Ajax, however, extended Onana’s contract in March by one year, keeping him at the club - in theory - until 2022. Capped nine times for his country, he could fetch up to €42m. AFP
Matthijs de Ligt: Edwin van der Sar, the club’s chief executive, all but confirmed it. “I think these will be De Ligt's final games with Ajax … I think he'll go to England or Spain." Ajax’s most bankable asset behind Frenkie de Jong, the centre-back has been a colossus at the heart of the side, a 19-year-old captain whose impact and influence belies his age. De Ligt is wanted reportedly by a host of Europe’s top clubs, and understandably so. Barcelona, Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool and Juventus have all been linked, the price tag swelling upwards, apparently, of €70 million (Dh287.6m). Given his age and talent, it is warranted. AFP
Donny van de Beek: A product of the Ajax academy, the attacking midfielder has been superb this season, scoring 15 goals and registering 11 assists. Van de Beek is only 22, but thought to be priced at €52m. Chief among his rumoured suitors are Tottenham, with the path from Amsterdam to London well trodden. He has been touted as a replacement for Christian Eriksen, should the Spurs playmaker not agree to a new contract. Before the Champions League semi-final second leg, Mauricio Pochettino said: "Logically, I love De Jong and De Ligt. But the example of the operation of this Ajax is Van de Beek. I like very much.” Others are said to like him too, though, including Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Juventus. AFP
Hakim Ziyech: The hurt on the Moroccan’s face was there for all to see. To his credit, Ziyech faced the media immediately after the Tottenham heartache, saying he was to blame for the defeat because of chances missed. Yet the winger was a standout again, scoring Ajax’s second and troubling Spurs throughout. It followed fine performances against Real Madrid and Juventus, raising his record this season to 21 goals and 21 assists. Has been linked with Manchester United and Manchester City, while Bayern Munich were thought to see him as part of the succession plan following the impending departures of Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben. Aged 26, he is reportedly valued around €50m. AFP
David Neres: The Brazilian signed a new, four-year contract with Ajax only in September amid rumours of interest from Manchester United, Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund. Even China’s big-spending Guangzhou Evergrande were mentioned. Most recently, Arsenal are said to have returned with an offer, while United and Everton reportedly remain in the race for his signature, too. Neres, 22, would represent an astute acquisition, having scored 12 times this campaign and created 15 more. Able to play anywhere across attacking midfield, he made his international debut for Brazil in March, setting up two goals in a 3-1 victory. The suggested £35m price tag, though, could be a little low.
Andre Onana: Speaking to The National prior to the semi-final, former Tottenham and Ajax manager Martin Jol described Onana as “one of the best young goalkeepers in the world”. Having turned 23 only last month, admittedly there should be plenty of potential for further improvement even if his ability is already apparent. The Cameroon shot-stopper, a graduate from Barcelona’s La Masia academy, has been tipped for a return to Camp Nou, especially with Jasper Cillessen likely to leave this summer. Ajax, however, extended Onana’s contract in March by one year, keeping him at the club - in theory - until 2022. Capped nine times for his country, he could fetch up to €42m. AFP
Matthijs de Ligt: Edwin van der Sar, the club’s chief executive, all but confirmed it. “I think these will be De Ligt's final games with Ajax … I think he'll go to England or Spain." Ajax’s most bankable asset behind Frenkie de Jong, the centre-back has been a colossus at the heart of the side, a 19-year-old captain whose impact and influence belies his age. De Ligt is wanted reportedly by a host of Europe’s top clubs, and understandably so. Barcelona, Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool and Juventus have all been linked, the price tag swelling upwards, apparently, of €70 million (Dh287.6m). Given his age and talent, it is warranted. AFP
Donny van de Beek: A product of the Ajax academy, the attacking midfielder has been superb this season, scoring 15 goals and registering 11 assists. Van de Beek is only 22, but thought to be priced at €52m. Chief among his rumoured suitors are Tottenham, with the path from Amsterdam to London well trodden. He has been touted as a replacement for Christian Eriksen, should the Spurs playmaker not agree to a new contract. Before the Champions League semi-final second leg, Mauricio Pochettino said: "Logically, I love De Jong and De Ligt. But the example of the operation of this Ajax is Van de Beek. I like very much.” Others are said to like him too, though, including Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Juventus. AFP
Hakim Ziyech: The hurt on the Moroccan’s face was there for all to see. To his credit, Ziyech faced the media immediately after the Tottenham heartache, saying he was to blame for the defeat because of chances missed. Yet the winger was a standout again, scoring Ajax’s second and troubling Spurs throughout. It followed fine performances against Real Madrid and Juventus, raising his record this season to 21 goals and 21 assists. Has been linked with Manchester United and Manchester City, while Bayern Munich were thought to see him as part of the succession plan following the impending departures of Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben. Aged 26, he is reportedly valued around €50m. AFP
David Neres: The Brazilian signed a new, four-year contract with Ajax only in September amid rumours of interest from Manchester United, Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund. Even China’s big-spending Guangzhou Evergrande were mentioned. Most recently, Arsenal are said to have returned with an offer, while United and Everton reportedly remain in the race for his signature, too. Neres, 22, would represent an astute acquisition, having scored 12 times this campaign and created 15 more. Able to play anywhere across attacking midfield, he made his international debut for Brazil in March, setting up two goals in a 3-1 victory. The suggested £35m price tag, though, could be a little low.
Andre Onana: Speaking to The National prior to the semi-final, former Tottenham and Ajax manager Martin Jol described Onana as “one of the best young goalkeepers in the world”. Having turned 23 only last month, admittedly there should be plenty of potential for further improvement even if his ability is already apparent. The Cameroon shot-stopper, a graduate from Barcelona’s La Masia academy, has been tipped for a return to Camp Nou, especially with Jasper Cillessen likely to leave this summer. Ajax, however, extended Onana’s contract in March by one year, keeping him at the club - in theory - until 2022. Capped nine times for his country, he could fetch up to €42m. AFP
