Ajax: Baas may leave Amsterdam, Michel wants to keep him

Ajax Amsterdam is going through a period of doubt surrounding Youri Baas. The 23-year-old Dutch defender, trained as a left-back but now positioned as a center-back, is linked with a move to FC Porto this summer. After the 4-0 victory over Telstar, where he came on in the second half, the club's Spanish manager, Michel, was keen to clarify the situation: he is counting on the young Dutch international despite the speculation.

A player at the heart of transfers

Youri Baas, 23, has seen his name circulating in the Dutch press regarding a possible arrival at FC Porto. The defender, whose initial training was as a left-back, has established himself as a defensive pillar in the Ajax lineup. Yet he was left out of the starting eleven in the last match against Telstar, fueling questions about his future. Michel, his coach, dismissed the rumors by insisting on his intention to keep him at the club. “Youri Baas has the Ajax DNA. Of course, I don’t know what’s going to happen, he might perhaps leave… But I want him to stay with us,” he said, as quoted by local media. “He wasn’t in the starting lineup because we had little recovery time after the match against Sion. We felt it was important to manage his workload. Now he’s in shape, but he’s been carrying an injury. We need to keep him in condition, as Daley Blind is also injured,” he added.

A profile appreciated by Farioli

Youri Baas is no stranger to Francesco Farioli, who coached him during the 2024/25 season at Ajax. Under his guidance, the young defender made a name for himself, particularly for his versatility and ability to play in central defense. His technical profile and potential quickly caught the attention of European scouts, including those at FC Porto. Portuguese clubs are renowned for their ability to unearth promising talent, and Baas could be among their top targets this summer. For Ajax, the situation is delicate. The Dutch club, in the midst of rebuilding, cannot afford to lose such a promising player without adequate financial and sporting compensation. Michel, who is banking on youth to revive the team, will have to navigate Baas’s ambitions and the advances from foreign clubs. One thing is certain: the Dutch defender remains a major asset for Ajax’s future ambitions. It’s worth recalling that Youri Baas was trained as a left-back before establishing himself as a quality center-back. His journey at Ajax, marked by solid performances, makes him one of the standout players in the current squad. His future in Amsterdam will now depend on the club’s choices and his own aspirations.