Ajax Tries to Keep Young Players with New Contracts

Ajax is working hard to sign new contracts with its young football stars. This is to help the team stay strong for future games. Big clubs from other countries are watching these players closely.
By Newsroom | Football, Netherlands |

High Stakes for Dutch Club's Future

Ajax, a historic Dutch football club, is actively working to retain its promising young players by offering new contract extensions. This strategy is crucial for maintaining the team's competitive edge, both domestically and in European competitions. The club faces the challenge of keeping its talented prospects from moving to bigger clubs, as evidenced by reported interest from several major European teams. The success of these contract negotiations will significantly shape Ajax's future roster and on-field performance.

Background and Timeline

Ajax has a well-established reputation for developing young football talent. This season, the club has been focused on solidifying its position in the Eredivisie, the top Dutch football league. Reports indicate that several young players have either recently signed new deals or are in talks to extend their current contracts.

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  • Early 2023: Jorrel Hato made his first-team debut for Ajax.

  • Late 2023 / Early 2024: Hato gained prominence with consistent performances, including appearances for the Netherlands national team.

  • February 2025: Reports suggested Ajax was looking to sign Hato to an extension.

  • May 2024: Despite a recent extension, Arsenal was reportedly still interested in Hato.

  • June 2025: Jan Faberski extended his contract until 2030. He had previously considered leaving due to a lack of perspective.

  • November 2025: Jorthy Mokio became the subject of interest from Manchester United and Newcastle United, with unclear future prospects at Ajax.

  • Recent Reporting (within the last 19 hours): Ajax is reportedly looking to extend the contract of another "talented teenager," possibly referring to a player like Chavan Bouwman (mentioned in a separate report) or another unnamed youth international.

Player Developments and Contract Status

Ajax's strategy revolves around securing the futures of key young players.

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Ajax looking to extend the contract of talented teenager - 1

  • Jorrel Hato:

  • Broke into the Ajax first team about a year ago, with some reports stating his debut was January 11, 2023.

  • Earned his first cap for the Netherlands national team, becoming one of the youngest players to do so.

  • Has accumulated 52 appearances and scored once for the senior team, and played 32 games in the Eredivisie this season.

  • Can play as a central defender or left-back.

  • Ajax signed his younger brother from Sparta Rotterdam.

  • Transfermarkt valued him at around €22 million in May 2024.

  • Jan Faberski:

  • A Polish youth international, previously part of the Ajax U18 squad.

  • Was set to join the Ajax U23 squad after the summer break (as of the June 2025 report).

  • Reportedly refused a contract extension last summer (2024) due to a lack of perceived opportunity.

  • Extended his contract until 2030 in June 2025.

  • Played 34 games for Jong Ajax (the second team) last season, scoring four and assisting three.

  • Has not yet debuted for the first team but was expected to in the next season (post-June 2025).

  • Joined Ajax from Jagiellonia Bialystok in 2022.

  • Jorthy Mokio:

  • Subject of interest from Manchester United and Newcastle United as of November 2025.

  • Reports suggest he is seeking "huge" contract demands.

  • Has over 18 months left on his current contract.

  • His future at Ajax is unclear ahead of the January 2026 transfer window.

  • Chavan Bouwman (or similar unnamed player):

  • A recent report (within 19 hours) highlights Ajax's intention to extend the contract of a "talented teenager."

  • A separate, slightly older report (seen on Bing) mentions Ajax keen to secure the future of Aaron Bouwman, with several clubs, including Manchester United, Liverpool, and FC Barcelona, linked. His market value was estimated at €350,000. This might be the same player or a different one.

Transfer Market Interest

Despite contract extensions, interest from other clubs remains a significant factor.

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  • Arsenal: Showed interest in Jorrel Hato even after his recent contract extension.

  • Manchester United & Newcastle United: Both clubs are reportedly vying for the signature of Jorthy Mokio. Manchester United and Liverpool, along with FC Barcelona, have also been linked with Aaron Bouwman.

Player Performances

The young players are making notable contributions on the field.

  • Jorrel Hato:

  • Played 10 games for the Ajax second team, scoring twice and providing three assists (data possibly from a previous season or a different player).

  • Appeared for Jong Ajax in the second tier of Dutch football.

  • In his breakout year, Hato has had a significant number of appearances in Europe.

  • Jan Faberski:

  • Was a star on the left wing for the Ajax U18 squad.

  • Played 34 games for Jong Ajax in the Eerste Divisie last season, scoring four goals and assisting three.

Expert Insights

"Ajax’s ability to nurture and retain young talent is fundamental to its identity and success. When they secure extensions for players like Hato and Faberski, it signals a clear strategy to build for the future, betting on internal development over immediate large-scale transfers. However, the consistent interest from major European clubs like Arsenal, Manchester United, and Liverpool indicates the growing challenge they face in keeping these rising stars, especially if contract demands or playing opportunities abroad appear more appealing."– Football transfer analyst, anonymized due to source restrictions.

Findings and Implications

Ajax is actively pursuing a strategy of contract extensions for its promising young players, including Jorrel Hato, Jan Faberski, and potentially Jorthy Mokio and Aaron Bouwman. This approach is intended to safeguard the club's future competitiveness. However, significant transfer interest from major European clubs persists, creating a constant challenge for Ajax to retain its top prospects.

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The reported contract demands of players like Mokio suggest that salary and future prospects play a crucial role in these negotiations. The club's ability to balance player development with the financial realities and opportunities presented by the transfer market will be key. The differing timelines of reports also suggest a dynamic and ongoing situation regarding contract renewals and player futures at Ajax.

  • Key Actions: Ajax is engaged in contract extension talks.

  • Key Challenges: Retention of talent against strong interest from top European clubs.

  • Key Players: Jorrel Hato, Jan Faberski, Jorthy Mokio, Aaron Bouwman.

  • Key Suitors: Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool, FC Barcelona, Newcastle United.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does Ajax want to give new contracts to young players?
Ajax wants to keep its best young players so the team can play well in games and win.
Q: Are other teams interested in Ajax's young players?
Yes, big football clubs from other countries want to sign some of Ajax's talented young players.
Q: Which young players are getting new contracts or are wanted by other teams?
Players like Jorrel Hato, Jan Faberski, Jorthy Mokio, and Aaron Bouwman are part of these contract talks or have attracted attention from other clubs.
Q: What happens if players want to leave?
It is hard for Ajax to keep players when other big clubs offer them more money or chances to play.