Ajax attacking midfielder Abdellah Ouazane, 17, came off the bench on Thursday and scored to make it 2-0 against Atalanta. There was discussion around Ajax moving quickly to open contract talks with him.
Ouazane's situation
Ouazane is an attacking midfielder and his contract in Amsterdam runs until mid-2028. His market value is estimated at €8 million.
Verweij on the contract challenge
Mike Verweij, the De Telegraaf journalist who covers the club, said: "Ajax need to sit down with him soon, and that will be a challenge. He is represented by Forza Sports Group, and they are businesspeople who will want to ask for a lot of money."
He also said: "I think Ajax can offer him a very good contract, but knowing Jordi Cruyff, he will not take it to extremes."
The Kick-off podcast suggested negotiations could become complicated if €4 million or €5 million is demanded.
Real Madrid and medical details
GOAL reported that this summer Ouazane appeared set to join Real Madrid.
Verweij said on the Kick-off podcast: "The lad had a fantastic move to Real Madrid lined up, but for unusual reasons he did not pass the medical there. It was a very minor congenital abnormality, which is no problem at all in the Netherlands. But this is an exceptional player."
What Verweij said about Ouazane's future
Verweij said: "I think it is very important for him to play in the Netherlands for another two or three years. Make sure you become the best player in the Eredivisie here, because he has the potential to become the best player in the Eredivisie. Only then go abroad."
Asked whether the midfielder wants to stay at Ajax for the time being, Verweij replied: "Yes, I think so. But of course, he needs to be offered a good contract."
Verweij also said: "Gravenberch was paid €1.5 million a year when he was 16."