Maarten Paes' Position Threatened as Ajax Amsterdam Targets Barcelona Goalkeeper

Ajax Amsterdam’s Technical Director, Jordi Cruyff, aims to build a much stronger squad to qualify for the Champions League next season. To achieve this goal, Ajax Amsterdam is reportedly planning a major overhaul next season after their poor performance this season. One of the positions that may undergo changes is the goalkeeper position, following criticism from the Dutch football public. Maarten Paes, who has recently gained trust as the main goalkeeper after Jaros’ injury, is reportedly set to be relegated to the backup goalkeeper position, as initially intended when he was signed earlier this year. Recently, Ajax has been linked with Barcelona’s goalkeeper, currently on loan at Girona, Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Ter Stegen has become a target as Ajax is reportedly set to be coached by the current Girona coach, Michel, next season. The reason for recruiting the German goalkeeper is his experience as the number one goalkeeper at Barcelona, although he has been sidelined this season after the arrival of Joan Garcia. Both goalkeepers will return to Blaugrana after their loan periods end at the end of the season. However, their future at Camp Nou remains uncertain. In fact, a report from Mundo Deportivo states that Hansi Flick and Deco are planning for next season without them, with the possibility of another transfer or loan. Besides the Barcelona duo, another player who has caught the attention of Jordi Cruyff is Bayer Leverkusen’s goalkeeper, Mark Flekken. Ajax’s plan to bring in a new goalkeeper next season makes Maarten Paes’ chances of being Ajax’s main goalkeeper even slimmer. This season, the Indonesian national team goalkeeper has become the main choice after Viteszlav Jaros’ injury and has made 10 appearances.