Report: Ajax Wonderkid Targeted by Liverpool and Man United | OneFootball

Liverpool and Man Utd Lead Chase for Ajax’s Rising Defensive Star

Aaron Bouwman is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about names in European football, with TeamTalk reporting that Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City and Barcelona are all monitoring the Ajax defender. The 18-year-old has been hailed as a “wonderkid” with the potential to reach the very top, making him one of the most coveted talents to emerge from De Toekomst in recent years.

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Interest Growing Across Europe

Bouwman’s reputation is spreading fast. His Eredivisie debut in August 2025, stepping in for the injured Josip Sutalo, saw him help Ajax to a 2-0 win with a performance full of composure and intelligence. His ability to read the game and play out from the back has been praised by scouts across the continent. “He’s one of the brightest talents at the club,” a TeamTalk source revealed. “The board believes he can reach the very top.”

Ajax’s Plan to Secure Future

Ajax are reportedly keen to tie him down to a new deal, with his current contract running until 2027. Talks have begun on an improved offer, both to reward his development and to ensure they can fend off suitors. For clubs like Liverpool and Man Utd, who are seeking long-term defensive leaders, Bouwman represents the perfect blend of youth, potential and technical quality.

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Unique Profile for a Modern Defender

Standing at 6ft 2in, Bouwman’s mix of strength, mobility and vision fits the blueprint of the modern centre-back. Interestingly, he began his youth career as a striker, a fact that explains his comfort on the ball and attacking instincts. His spectacular goal in a 5-1 friendly win over Celtic in 2024 is still doing the rounds on social media.

Pathway to the Very Top

Bouwman’s challenge now is to stay fit and build consistency. With just one senior appearance so far, Ajax will look to gradually increase his minutes, giving him the platform to grow. For Europe’s elite, the temptation to swoop in early will be difficult to resist, particularly if his value continues to rise in the months ahead.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Liverpool will see Bouwman as the perfect long-term heir to Virgil van Dijk, a natural successor who could maintain the club’s tradition of elite Dutch defenders. The idea of him learning under Van Dijk before eventually taking over is an exciting prospect for the Anfield faithful.

United fans, meanwhile, will be looking at their own defensive rebuild and wondering if this is the type of bold move Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s regime should be making. A young, technically polished centre-back could be the answer to their long-standing defensive frailties.

The fact that Barcelona and City are also circling only heightens the sense of urgency. Whichever club wins the race could be securing one of Europe’s defensive lynchpins for the next decade. Both fanbases know how important this signing could be, and neither will want to see the other gain the upper hand in the transfer market.