3 players Ajax might lose this summer

Ajax are on a dream run this season. They are league leaders in the Eredivisie ahead of arch-rivals PSV Eindhoven on goal difference, and have caused big upsets in the Champions League having defeated Real Madrid and Juventus in the knockouts to progress to the semis of the prestigious competition for the first time since 1997.

Erik Ten Hag’s talented young squad have been proving their mettle since the group stages. And as you would expect, the performances of the players have attracted scouts from all over Europe; the Dutch club have a mammoth challenge to hold on to their players next summer.

Frenkie de Jong has already sealed a move to Barcelona, and it is likely that Ajax will lose more of their star players. Clubs are willing to pay the hefty asking prices that Ajax are setting on their stars.

Here, we look at three players that Ajax could lose next summer.

#3 Matthijs de Ligt

The most sought after defender of his generation, 19-year-old Matthijs de Ligt is already captaining the Ajax side. The young Dutchman is well built and technically very sound, and has many accolades to his name: he is the youngest player ever in a UEFA European club final, and youngest debutant in the Dutch national team since 1945.

In addition, he is also the youngest captain in the history of Ajax, recipient of the Amsterdam Talent of the Year 2017 award, winner of the Johan Cruijff Prize 2018, and the winner of the "Golden Boy" Award 2018.

De Ligt is a wanted man in the transfer market owing to his immense talent. Barry Hulsoff, his agent once said about the youngster: "His mind is constantly occupied with what he needs in favour of being a good defender. He always gives 100% and he sets targets for himself, which he will accomplish if there are no injury problems."

Barcelona and Bayern Munich are said to be favourites to get his signature, with Ajax coach Ten Hag saying in an interview to SZ that he does not know which of the two clubs De Ligt will choose for his future.

#2 Donny van de Beek

Donny van de Beek is another youngster who’s proving his mettle after graduating from the Ajax youth academy. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder is a key component of Ten Hag’s Ajax side.

He is flexible enough to cover all three positions in the midfield but usually prefers to be in the final third, acting as an anchor and dictating the attack.

The young Dutchman has got 15 goals and 11 assists in 50 appearances this season. He likes to play quick, short passes and is adept at playing one- and two-touch football.

If he operates in a deeper role, he does a brilliant job in linking up the attack and defense. He’s very resilient on the field and is brilliant at holding the ball even in tight spaces.

A workhorse on the field, Van de Beek’s performances have attracted attention from the likes of PSG, Borussia Dortmund, Tottenham Hotspur, according to L’Equipe.

#1 Hakim Ziyech

The 26-year-old Moroccan international has been one of the leading source of goals for Ajax this season. He has scored 19 times and assisted 20 more in 39 appearances for the Dutch giants so far in 2018-19.

Having started his career as a central attacking midfielder, Ziyech has adapted to the role on the right wing over time. A player with marvelous vision and creative abilities, Ziyech keeps the Ajax attack ticking.

He has a good combination of pace and skill which helps him dribble past players easily. Ziyech is also good with the dead ball, which makes an exciting prospect in the attack

Bayern Munich are said to be heavily interested in his services and have reportedly conducted talks with Ajax already. Arsenal and Chelsea are among other clubs trying to court his services next season, according to SZ.

RIght now, all of this is just speculation in the media. Only yime will tell which players Ajax will be selling this summer. Until then, let us cherish their wonderful run in the league and in Europe.