Plenty of Premier League clubs have looked to Ajax in the past when it comes to bringing in young talent.
The Dutch side’s famed academy has produced countless international players, many of whom are currently lighting up the English top-flight.
Tottenham trio Toby Alderweireld, Christian Eriksen and Jan Vertonghen all began their careers with the Amsterdam club, as did Everton goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg and Manchester United defender Daley Blind.
Going further back, the likes of Dennis Bergkamp, Nigel de Jong, Edwin van der Sar and Rafael van der Vaart are all Ajax academy products who impressed during their time in England.
And we could soon be adding another name to that list – Riechedly Bazoer.
https://twitter.com/DutchGoalsAMore/status/706490349116596224
The 20-year-old already has several full international caps for the Netherlands to his name, having previously turned out for his country at Under-15, Under-16, Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21 level.
While most of Bazoer’s footballing education came with rivals PSV Eindhoven, he moved to Ajax as a teenager and made his professional debut for Jong Ajax at the age of 16.
Shortly after his 18th birthday, the midfielder made his bow with the senior squad as a substitute for Lucas Andersen in a league victory over Willem II in 2014.
But his time at the Amsterdam ArenA could soon be coming to a close, with Ajax manager Peter Bosz saying a January exit is a strong possibility.
Bosz has left Bazoer out of the squad for Thursday’s Europa League meeting with Standard Liège, telling De Telegraaf it is likely that he will no longer be an Ajax player after the winter break.
He said he wanted to give some younger players experience of European competition, and with Ajax already through to the last-32 as group winners, this seems like the ideal opportunity.
Ajax manager Peter Bosz: 'Having talked to Bazoer, I assume there's a big chance he won't be at the club after the winter break' (Telegraaf)
— Elko Born (@Elko_B) December 7, 2016
Bazoer has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs: Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City were all reportedly in the mix to sign him from PSV before he opted to join Ajax.
City and Chelsea have been mentioned again in the light of the midfielder’s Ajax breakthrough, while there are plenty of other teams who could use a player of his quality.
Finally, it wouldn’t be an article about a young European talent without a compilation video with an over-the-top soundtrack, so here’s the bit you’ve been waiting for.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEFWMSTkr0I
