6 days ago
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Premier League dream
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Ajax are renowned for producing world-class players after developing a conveyer belt of talent over the years. Johan Cruyff is Ajax’s most famous son but Marco van Basten, Frank Rijkaard, Dennis Bergkamp, Clarence Seedorf and Patrick Kluivert are just some of the world-class talents to emerge through their prestigious academy. Jorrel Hato, who captained the club at just 16, moved to Chelsea this summer but there’s another young defender sparking huge excitement, Aaron Bouwman.
The 18-year-old has impressed at youth-level for the Dutch giants and John Heitinga handed him his senior debut in the Eredivisie this season. Ajax boss Hetinga showed extreme faith in Bouwman by starting him in their league opener against Telstar and the young centre-back shone in a 2-0 win. Bouwman didn’t feature in Ajax’s next three games due to a minor injury but he returned for Netherlands U19 during the international break. The Ajax starlet is developing an esteemed reputation and he’s on the radar of the leading European clubs.
Who is Aaron Bouwman?
Bouwman was born in Haarlem, Netherlands but he also holds British citizenship, due to his Jamaican-English mother. The starlet could represent England but he’s committed to the Netherlands and has represented them through youth level. Bouwman progressed through the ranks at hometown club Koninklijke before joining Ajax in 2018. His professional debut arrived for Jong Ajax in April 2024 in the second-tier of Dutch football, before stepping up to the first-team.
Bouwman has been compared stylistically to his idol Virgil van Dijk with his physicality, positional understanding and calmness standing out. The youngster is very comfortable in possession and his reading of the game is excellent for his age. Interestingly, Bouwman started his career as a striker and he scored an excellent goal in pre-season for Ajax against Celtic.
European giants chasing Aaron Bouwman
Bouwman has been scouted regularly by several European giants but Ajax are determined for him to extend his contract. The Dutch youth international has entered the final two years of his contract and Ajax are hopeful that he will extend his deal beyond 2027. There’s serious interest from several Premier League clubs and Bouwman has admitted that it’s his ‘dream’ to play for a leading English club.
“The top four of the Premier League is my ultimate dream,” Bouwman said earlier this year. “Although playing at the top in Spain or another major footballing country would also be amazing.” Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea have all monitored the 18-year-old, while Barcelona are keeping tabs on his development.
