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Despite losing many of their high profile stars over the years, Ajax still remains one of the top teams in Europe in terms of producing quality young players. Their issue is keeping hold of them and building a team to compete with the elite.
The philosophy of the club is to breed young players from the academy to be successful in Eredivisie and in Europe. They could be in trouble this summer and may lose some of their prized assets to some of Europe's top clubs this summer.
Ajax's school of excellence is well documented from the 70s through to the present day. This conveyor belt of talent is standing the club in good stead financially, as they cannot compete with the mega-rich clubs which have grown dramatically through the worldwide appeal of the European leagues.
But which players could be on the move?
#5 Kasper Dolberg
He was spotted by Silkeborg, playing for his local side GFG-Voel when he was 12. In January 2015, Ajax paid the Danish club €270,000 for his services. He has excelled in the Dutch capital scoring five goals in 18 appearances in the Eredivisie so far this season.
Making his senior debut in November 2016, he followed that up with a hat-trick and an assist in Ajax's 5-0 Eredivisie win against NEC. In doing so, he became the youngest Ajax player to score three in the league since Rafael van der Vaart in 2001. Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United have previously been linked with a move for the striker.
#4 Frenkie de Jong
De Jong is an attack-minded midfielder who likes to take on opposing defenders due to his speed. Having had his rather unique skill set honed within the youth system at Willem II, he made the move to Ajax in the summer of 2015.
His ability to glide and change direction in an instant means he is able to illude opponents effortlessly. De Jong is often a purposeful one-man transition between defence and attack. More often than not, he is simply very intelligent with the ball at his feet. A number of clubs are interested in his services. The youngster has previously been linked with a move to Arsenal and Manchester City, with Pep Guardiola and Arsene Wenger monitoring him closely.
#3 Donny van de Beek
The Netherlands under-21 international has shone in the Eredivisie so far this term, featuring in 29 games. In those appearances, he has grabbed an impressive 11 goals and three assists, but it's his all-around game that has been most eye-catching.
At just 20-year-old, he has a lot more to offer. He is rarely overwhelmed in possession and being a regular starter in the team, his decision-making is already refined. Mauricio Pochettino is a keen admirer of the youngster and could make a move for him this summer.
#2 Matthijs de Ligt
De Ligt came through the academy at Ajax and made his senior debut in a cup match against Willem II in September in 2016 as a 17-year-old. He scored 25 minutes into his debut from a corner, becoming the club's second youngest goalscorer ever behind Clarence Seedorf. Physically and technically, the signs are certainly good for the defender.
Even at 18, he is tall and imposing, but quick enough too. He has a good range of passing but also keeps it simple. Tactically, his positional sense is improving. Mentally, his attitude is widely praised. The European giants are running the rule over the youngster. Barcelona were keen to secure the services of De Ligt this January, but are expected to go back in for him this summer.
#1 Justin Kluivert
A graduate of the Ajax academy, Justin broke into the first team at an early age, just like his father Patrick Kluivert. He made his Eredivisie debut in January 2017, aged 17, and featured in the Europa League as Ajax reached the final last season.
He has a great first-touch, although you’d expect that for somebody linked with a move to Europe's top leagues. What makes the difference is his speed of thought, it devastates opponents. No doubt scouts from the elite will be looking to secure his signature. It will be very interesting to see how things develop in the summer window. The player himself is a keen admirer of Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester United.
