Martin Jol Critiques Ajax’s Transfer Policy

omidbasir- Martin Jol has voiced his concerns regarding Ajax’s transfer policy over the past few years. In their recent home match against FC Volendam, which ended in a 2-0 victory, it was not the high-priced acquisitions that made the difference, but rather talents emerging from the youth academy. Youri Baas scored twice, both times assisted by Rayane Bounida.

According to Jol, Ajax could have saved 150 million euros if they had focused more on their youth system. Since Fred Grim took over from John Heitinga, numerous talents from the youth academy have been given ample playing time in the first team. In the latest match, Grim opted to start Bounida instead of Oscar Gloukh, and the eighteen-year-old Aaron Bouwman was favored in defense over expensive signings Ko Itakura and Josip Sutalo. Baas, who partnered with Bouwman in defense, scored two goals against FC Volendam and according to Jol, deserves a spot in the Team of the Week.

Criticism regarding Ajax’s expensive purchases has intensified in recent years. Alongside Jol, Kenneth Perez has also expressed dissatisfaction with the club’s transfer strategy. He cited Gloukh as an example, questioning the wisdom of spending 15 million euros on a player who may not prove to be significant. “If scouting and evaluation are lacking, such investments may not yield the expected results,” the ESPN analyst stated. “Ajax has spent exorbitantly on players in the past three years who are not necessarily better than the existing talents in the squad.”