Ajax officially started preparing for the new season on Thursday. The majority of the selection reported to De Toekomst for a number of physical tests in the weight room. Among them also Anass Salah-Eddine and Jay Gorter. The duo returns from a rental period and is determined to go for their chance in Ajax’s first.
Salah-Eddine came out on a rental basis for FC Twente last year and grew into a valued force in Enschede. Despite a difficult start and an injury at the end of the season, the Tukkers would have liked to continue with the defender cum midfielder. However, Ajax decided to bring Salah-Eddine back and let the youth product smell the real thing.
“The plan for this season is that I go for my chance and show myself as well as possible,” says Salah-Eddine at Ajax’s club channel. “I have shown that I can excel at Eredivisie level and can be of added value. I think I can also be of added value here in the selection. In what position? Where the trainer needs me. Left back, on the midfield, somewhere else is also possible.”
Salah-Eddine went through Ajax’s youth academy and made his debut in professional football in the U21 team, but is still waiting for his breakthrough in the first. He made his debut in the 2021/22 season during the final day of the competition against Vitesse. Ajax then decided to extend his contract until 2025 and to rent him out to FC Twente. So far his counter is at 26 Eredivisie minutes in the main force.
Gorter also hopes to be in the spotlight again at Ajax. The goalkeeper was loaned to Aberdeen for the past six months, but hardly played due to injuries. “There is a new trainer, so anything can happen. I’m still young for my position. I want to work hard, then we’ll see what happens. I didn’t sign for nothing (until mid-2026, ed.) I’m going to do my best and give everything, then we’ll see.”