4 Ajax players Newcastle could target as Marc Overmars eyed as new director of football

Ajax technical director Marc Overmars has been linked with a move to Newcastle, and the Premier League club could do worse than look at some of the young playing talents at the Dutch club as well

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As Newcastle United prepare for a new era, fans can expect some big personnel changes.

A new manager will arrive at St James’ Park in the near future, following Steve Bruce’s departure, while the January transfer window is expected to herald more additions to the playing staff as the club aims to climb the table.

That might not be it for the Magpies, though, if reports from the Netherlands are to be believed.

According to De Telegraaf (via Football-Oranje ), Ajax technical director Marc Overmars has been linked with the English club, and if they can convince him to move to the north-east then they may have a head-start in the race to sign some of the exciting playing talents at the Johan Cruijff Arena.

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Marc Overmars has been linked with a number of clubs, but has so far been happy at Ajax
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Overmars, who spent three years in the Premier League with Arsenal during his playing career, has been in his current role at Ajax since 2012.

The 48-year-old, who did not comment on the reports in the Dutch media, is under contract in Amsterdam until 2024, and has remained at Ajax despite reported interest from some of the biggest clubs across Europe.

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The new project on offer at Newcastle could prove tempting, though, particularly with the significant financial backing he would have access to.

And if he is convinced to make the switch, there are plenty of players on the books of his current club who Magpies fans would be happy to see follow him to England.

We’ve taken a look at some of the young stars of Ajax’s free-scoring side who might be earmarked for a move.

Jurrien Timber

Jurrien Timber gets to grips with Erling Haaland during a Champions League clash
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Newcastle’s defensive form this season has been a big worry, with the club conceding more goals than any other Premier League team.

Ajax’s record of just three goals conceded across 12 Eredivisie and Champions League games is hard to knock, and young defender Timber has been involved in all 12.

The 20-year-old played three times for the Netherlands at Euro 2020, having made his senior debut in the lead-up to the tournament, and is capable at full-back as well as his preferred centre-back position.

Edson Alvarez

Edson Alvarez has flourished at Ajax after arriving during a period of upheaval
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After Ajax came within touching distance of the 2019 Champions League final, the inevitable raid on their squad put extra pressure on Overmars’ recruitment process.

Mexico international Alvarez arrived in the same window which saw Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt leave Amsterdam, but his form for the club has helped with the transition.

An option in midfield and at the back, the 23-year-old has grown into his role at the club as players have come and gone around him, and was reportedly a target of big-spending Rennes last summer.

Ryan Gravenberch

One of the young jewels in Ajax’s crown, Gravenberch has already been linked with some of Europe’s biggest clubs despite only turning 19 in May.

Any pursuit of the teenager would be a real test of how far Newcastle’s riches can take them in comparison to the carrot of Champions League football.

The midfielder scored his first senior goal for the Netherlands in a friendly ahead of Euro 2020, and has played every minute in the Champions League to help Ajax top their group with maximum points and 11 goals in three outings.

Antony

Amid reported Bayern Munich interest over the summer, Overmars insisted Ajax would not let Antony leave the club, but some may hope things could change if Overmars himself moves on.

A product of the Sao Paulo academy, the winger made his Brazil debut this month and scored in the match against Venezuela.

He also played his part for Brazil’s Olympic team, starting the final alongside the likes of Premier League stars Douglas Luiz and Richarlison as the South Americans won gold.

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