Ten Hag favourite fuelling Man Utd transfer rumours

Daniel Cabot Kerkdijk

• Updated: 4 Jun 2023 07:38 BST
• 4 min read

Jurrien Timber was present at the FA Cup final between Manchester United and Manchester City, fuelling rumours that he could make a summer transfer to Erik ten Hag’s side.

A photo of the Ajax defender in the area around Wembley went viral on social media on Saturday and logically attracted the attention of media. The Neterlands international, who must report to the Dutch national team on Monday, was also accompanied by his brother and Feyenoord player Quinten Timber.

Timber acknowledged more than a month ago in a conversation with De Telegraaf that the moment of a transfer is getting closer.

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Timber, who will turn 22 in June, enjoyed interest from, among others, Manchester United last summer but eventually stayed and signed a new contract in Amsterdam until mid-2025. The 15-time international then made agreements with Ajax regarding the coming summer transfer period.

Timber did not want to exclude the possibility that he will make a move in the summer and close the door at Ajax behind him.

“A transfer is getting closer, so to speak. There is a lot of concrete interest and I have made agreements with Ajax. Last year, Ajax asked me to stay for at least one more season and to extend my contract. As a club boy I did that with love. After the season is over we will review the situation.

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“At the Dutch national team, I often talk to boys who play football abroad. I want to take that step someday. But when that is, you will eventually hear and it will happen in consultation with Ajax. I'm still fine here anyway and I'm in no hurry.”

The exodus of important players last summer and Ajax's less successful choices on the transfer market have had an impact on the club’s disappointing campaign. Timber does not regret staying, though.

“I make my own choices, separate from the team. But it is no secret that we have a lesser squad than last season,” he admitted.

Timber has played 121 official matches for Ajax. He has been good for six goals and four assists. According to the FootballTransfers algorithm, Timber's Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) is currently €42.5 million.