Liverpool Have ‘Set their Sights’ on Move to Sign 22-year-old Ajax Star – Report | OneFootball

Liverpool Monitoring Ajax Defender Youri Baas

Liverpool’s recruitment team is continuing its close watch on emerging talent across Europe, and according to Fichajes, Ajax centre-back Youri Baas is firmly in their sights. The 22-year-old has enjoyed a steady rise in Amsterdam, becoming one of the Eredivisie’s most reliable young defenders.

The report notes how “Youri Baas has become one of the most followed names in Dutch football” and that his “maturity and his solidity at the back” have marked him out as one of the most exciting prospects in his position. Having progressed through Ajax’s academy, he is now an integral figure in their first team.

Attributes that attract Liverpool

Liverpool are said to admire his anticipation and ball-playing qualities, with Fichajes highlighting that his “capacity of anticipation and his good ball distribution” are what make him so attractive to clubs outside the Netherlands. For Arne Slot, a coach who values technical ability in every position, Baas appears to be a natural fit for his footballing vision.

The Dutchman’s age is another major factor. At 22, he is still in the formative stages of his career, yet reports praise his defensive intelligence and adaptability. That versatility would give Liverpool valuable depth, particularly with the physical and tactical demands of Premier League football.

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Ajax’s position on potential sale

As is often the case with Ajax, the club is aware that significant offers from abroad are difficult to resist. “The Ajax knows that Youri Baas is one of its most important assets, however the Dutch club is also aware that it will be difficult to retain him if a convincing offer arrives from England.”

Such wording makes clear that Ajax are braced for interest, and Liverpool are positioned to benefit should they move decisively. With finances in order after careful squad building, Liverpool may see Baas as a cost-effective option for the future, particularly if they aim to add a player who could serve both as a starter and as strong competition within a title-challenging squad.

Slot’s influence on recruitment

Arne Slot’s role could be pivotal. The Liverpool manager knows Dutch football intimately, having worked with many players who have followed similar pathways to Baas. Fichajes underlines this by noting, “The work of Arne Slot in Liverpool could be decisive in the arrival of Youri Baas. The coach, with a wide knowledge of Dutch football, values his ability to compete at the highest level from a young age.”

With Liverpool leading the Premier League once again, there is every reason to expect the club will continue planning long term. Baas’s name entering conversations around Anfield is a clear reflection of that forward-thinking approach.

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For Liverpool supporters, this report will spark plenty of intrigue. Arne Slot has already proven to be a shrewd tactician and a coach who places faith in young players. Winning the Premier League in his first season showed that he has the balance of authority and tactical nous to succeed, while a perfect start in his second campaign underlines his momentum.

Youri Baas fits the mould of what many fans would like to see at Anfield: a defender who is comfortable in possession, reads the game early, and still has significant room for development. At 22, he would arrive with both potential and pedigree, having been developed at Ajax’s renowned academy. Supporters will remember how successful previous recruits from the Dutch system have been, with players often adapting quickly under managers familiar with Eredivisie football.

The fact that Ajax might struggle to hold onto Baas if a competitive bid is tabled is encouraging. Liverpool’s recruitment team has a record of moving strategically rather than reactively, and fans should trust the process. This would not be a marquee signing in the mould of Virgil van Dijk, but it could prove to be an intelligent piece of squad planning that keeps Liverpool strong for years to come.

Many supporters will also consider how Baas might learn alongside the likes of Ibrahima Konaté, Joe Gomez and captain Virgil van Dijk in his final seasons at the club. Such an environment could accelerate his growth significantly. For fans, it is the type of move that signals Liverpool’s continued focus on sustainability and long-term success rather than short-term fixes.