Man Utd get shock contract boost over Ten Hag favourite

Imre Himmelbauer

• Updated: 21 May 2023 11:51 BST
• 4 min read

Manchester United’s prospects of landing Erik ten Hag favourite Jurrien Timber have received a shot in the arm thanks to a report from the Algemeen Dagblad , which offers a shock revelation over the Ajax star’s contract.

According to the newspaper, the contract that Timber signed with the Amsterdam club last August contains a release clause that will be triggered if a club bids a certain figure. There is, however, no indication what this number is.

Interest is sure to come from several big clubs, with Man Utd having closely followed the defender last summer, when Ten Hag also signed Antony and Lisandro Martinez from Ajax.

EXCLUSIVE: Man Utd slash Maguire price amid Spurs and West Ham interest

Sven Mislintat, Ajax’s new director of football affairs, is doing everything possible to keep Timber for the club, according to the newspaper.

“I met him here at De Toekomst and then we spoke briefly and one-on-one,” the defender himself explains in an interview. “He spoke longer with my agent. As far as I know, Ajax wants to keep me here. Other than that, it is difficult for me to say anything about it. Conversations about this will follow soon.”

EXCLUSIVE: Potter in SHOCK Man Utd link thanks to Ratcliffe takeover

Will Timber leave Ajax?

Just like last year, big European clubs are targeting Timber, who typically plays as a central defender but is versatile enough to also turn out on the right.

Liverpool, United and Bayern Munich are said to be interested in the arrival of the 21-year-old, who has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €41 million.

“I'm now in the same situation as last year,” he admits. “I don't know yet if I'm going to make that step now. I'm glad I'm at Ajax. You can always show yourself here.”

Ajax are now third and there is little chance that the team from Amsterdam will take second place from PSV. As a result, there is no prospect of Champions League football next season. That weighs heavily, but is not decisive, says Timber.

“No, it's not like I'm gone if we don't play the Champions League. Ajax remains Ajax,” he says. “What I look at: if I leave, is the whole picture correct? I also know how important the coach and the guys around you are. I assume that next season will be better. With or without me, Ajax usually gets it back on track.”

"I understand the guys who think: if a top club comes, I will go," continues the 15-cap Netherlands international. "It is also difficult to say no. Only, I don't have that at all. In my case everything is still open. Quite a lot is happening in the background in terms of interest. I will soon see what the concrete options are."

Timber's contract runs until the summer of 2025.