Aaron Bouwman responds to Newcastle United links
Newcastle United’s reported interest in Ajax youngster Aaron Bouwman has now been put to the defender himself, with the 19-year-old explaining that his agents handle any transfer discussions.
It was revealed in October that our scouts had been tracking the 6ft 6in centre-back as Newcastle look towards the future at the heart of our defence, with Fabian Schar’s eventual successor in mind.
Speaking to Voetbal International this week (quotes via Sport Witness), Bouwman was asked directly about the links to Tyneside.
Ajax talent responds to Toon links
Bouwman made it clear that he does not involve himself in transfer speculation, preferring to concentrate on his football at Ajax while leaving any potential discussions to his representatives.
“I actually never have anything to do with that myself. I just focus on Ajax and my agents handle it, if there is anything. I don’t really need to hear about it myself, and that didn’t happen either.”
“If you play in the Ajax youth academy, you are around that age and you have a bit of quality, then those clubs can come knocking quickly.”
Our original October report, following information revealed by The Chronicle’s Lee Ryder, stated that Newcastle scouts had been watching Bouwman, with his name also put forward to the club by intermediaries.
The Dutchman is understood to have impressed our recruitment team, while Chelsea have also been linked with an interest. He is represented by the same agency as Matthias Jaissle and remains under contract at Ajax until 2030.
With Schar approaching the latter stages of his Newcastle career, and Dan Burn also into his thirties, it is clear why we are looking at younger centre-back options for the future.
Bouwman on the Van Dijk comparisons
Bouwman has also been attracting attention for the comparisons made by his own manager, Míchel, who has suggested the youngster could become the ‘new Virgil van Dijk’ and described him as Ajax’s most complete defender.
The Netherlands U19 international was asked about that praise and admitted it was pleasing to hear, while insisting he still has plenty of room to improve.
“Did he say that? [most complete defender]’ I think that’s nice. I can still improve defensively, and on the ball too. But when I look at myself, with the height I have and the technique on the ball, you could indeed perhaps say that I am good at both."
“I thought that was nice and fun to hear. But otherwise, it isn’t going to get into my head or anything. It’s not like I’ll be thinking ‘I am Virgil van Dijk’ at the next match. No, I am just Aaron Bouwman and I will remain so. But it is a nice compliment.”
Bouwman certainly fits the profile of a modern centre-back, combining considerable height with the ability to play out from the back. At 19, he is still developing, but the interest from Newcastle and the praise coming from within Ajax make him one to keep an eye on.
