Edwin van der Sar observes what he believes is a worrying trend in the football world. More and more players are letting their contracts expire in order to switch clubs transfer-free. The general manager is experiencing it at Ajax with André Onana and Noussair Mazraoui, who have reached the last phase of their contract and will probably walk out of the Johan Cruijff ArenA next year for free.
Van der Sar emphasized in an extensive interview with The Parool that Onana has been of great value to Ajax in recent years. The director had therefore awarded the goalkeeper a slightly better Christmas package. “We gave André the opportunity at a young age and he has shown that he has a lot to offer. I would have liked to have filled his Christmas package a little better, with a nice bonus, but he will probably add that bonus himself at the end of this season. get a new club.” Had Onana opted for a longer stay, he would certainly belong to the top earners of Ajax. “Yes. And that says something about the appreciation we have for him.”
That appreciation also goes for Mazraoui, who has developed well in Van der Sar’s view in recent years. His performances in the 2018/19 season, when Ajax reached the semi-finals of the Champions League, are particularly striking. “After that, nous some ailments, also physically. His contract has been increased during that period.” Mazraoui is going through another strong season and it seems that his new agent Mino Raiola will provide him with a nice club. “A few months have been lost in the negotiations. We’d like him to stay with us, but it’s mid-December now, so you know where it’s going.”
The fact that Ajax probably does not have a transfer fee left over from Onana and Mazraoui is an alarming situation, according to Van der Sar. “If this is going to become fashion, it is threatening for Ajax.” The director advocates change, but on the other hand also knows that it is difficult to keep the best players for Ajax. “However, we also have to protect the club in the long term. Perhaps in some cases we should be more principled than we are now.”