Dutch star opens up about possible Man Utd move

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 23 May 2023 10:36 BST
• 3 min read

Jurrien Timber has revealed that Ajax want to keep him this summer amidst reports that Manchester United could return for the Dutch defender.

United tried to sign Timber last year but the centre back rejected them as he believed it was better for him to continue developing at Ajax.

Timber’s future is once again a hot topic ahead of the 2023 transfer window.

READ MORE: Premier League 2023/24 summer transfers: All the Done Deals

What did Timber say about his future?

"I never shout that I want to leave. Last summer I rejected proposals from really big clubs,” he told Ziggo Sport.

"Staying at Ajax this summer is not ruled out.

“As far as I know, Ajax wants to keep me here,” Timber added to Algemeen Dagblad.

“Beyond that, I can hardly say anything about it.

“Talks about that will probably follow soon. Actually, I am now in the same situation as last year. I don’t know yet whether I will make that step now. I’m happy to be at Ajax – here you can always show yourself.”

The 21-year-old is understood to be one of Man Utd’s main centre back options this summer, along with Napoli’s Kim Min-Jae.

The Red Devils are likely to strengthen this area as Harry Maguire is set to leave after a second disastrous season at the club.

Maguire wants to find a new club in order to retain his England place ahead of Euro 2024, having fallen to fifth in the pecking order at Old Trafford.

If he does leave, then United will sign a replacement.

Man Utd’s initial target at centre back ahead of the 2022-23 season was Timber.

However, a transfer didn’t materialise for a couple of reasons.

First of all, Ajax were reluctant to sell and, secondly, the player himself was not convinced that he was ready for the move.

Indeed, Timber decided that it would be better for him to develop in Amsterdam for another year.

As a result, Timber stayed at Ajax and United moved to sign his teammate Lisandro Martinez instead.

But Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag - formerly of Ajax - remains a big fan of Timber and could come back in for him again this summer.

Timber has made 45 appearances for Ajax this season, while he has been capped 15 times by Netherlands.

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