Ajax’ race for a number six sharpens as Peer Koopmeiners looms

With roughly a week remaining on the summer transfer window, Ajax’ are under pressure as the Amsterdammers continue their search for a new number six, a role still vacant despite interest in several names, including Azzedine Ounahi, while Hedwiges Maduro hints at a more intriguing alternative.

Bij Kale & Kokkie, Maduro describes Ounahi as a solid addition, noting “He has already played many matches, so he should be able to keep up easily. Recently there has been much talk about physicality, so you need players who can handle it straight away. He is a boy with experience and a good footballer, which is always welcome.”

Koopmeiners emerges as a rival target

Maduro also points to another option he finds more interesting, saying “I always found Koopmeiners interesting. I don’t know if it is feasible. Both Teun and Peer, actually Peer now. He has played stably for years in the midfield of AZ, is physically strong and can play.”

He adds that moving from AZ to Ajax is difficult, while a transfer from AZ to PSV is possible, and that acquiring Eredivisie players often requires paying the “main prize”, a disadvantage for Ajax.

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Defensive gaps and alternative suggestions

Maduro stresses Ajax still need a quality central defender because Aaron Bouwman has not yet convinced him. “He still has to develop. He plays many matches, so the question is whether he can sustain it. He will still make mistakes and repeats the same errors, but they are not yet really punished.”

Journalist Valentijn Driessen argues for Darko Nejasmic of NEC, noting it is hard to believe Ajax have never secured a new defensive midfielder, recalling Henderson’s departure over a year ago and the continued lack of a number six after three transfer windows.

Driessen urges “Get that boy! He is a good player, you can bring him in. But we are a week from the end of the transfer period and still need to sign someone.”