Last week, I broke down Ajax’s goalkeepers and shared who I’d keep or sell for the 2025-26 season. Now, it’s time to move on to the defenders! I’ll be keeping the club’s situation in mind, so don’t be surprised if I suggest selling a player to help bring some financial stability to Ajax.
Anton Gaaei
Anton Gaaei had a rough first season at Ajax, getting subbed off before halftime in two games, which was tough to watch. But this 2024-25 season, he’s stepped up big time. He started as our #2 right-back behind Devyne Rensch, but after Rensch left, Gaaei became the #1 option. That worried a lot of us at first—myself included—since his early struggles were still fresh in our minds. While some of his performances still didn’t quite hit the Ajax standard, he’s shown in most games that he’s improved a ton.
Even with his progress, I’d still sell Gaaei. I don’t see him as a long-term fit for Ajax, mostly because of his defensive weaknesses. He’d do great in a wingback system, like a 3-5-2, where he can focus more on attacking. But that’s not how Ajax plays—we need a right-back who can defend first. With Gaaei having a better season and Ajax performing stronger overall, he’s likely caught the eye of other clubs. Ajax should cash in on that interest and sell him while his value is up.
Lucas Rosa
After Devyne Rensch left in the winter transfer window, Lucas Rosa came in as our new right-back. At his previous club, he mostly played on the left, but since he’s right-footed, he’s better suited for the right-back role—which he did play at times before joining Ajax. Rosa’s first few games weren’t bad, but he didn’t exactly shine either. A lot of fans quickly wrote him off, calling him a bad transfer and saying he has no potential. I don’t agree with that take. Defensively, I think he’s got what it takes, and we can’t forget that players coming from a different culture often need time to settle in. We’ve seen that before—even Anton Gaaei, who I mentioned earlier, needed time to adjust.
That’s why I’d keep Lucas Rosa for at least another season. Give him the chance to develop behind another right-back and prove himself. I’ve got a feeling he’ll surprise us and step up to a level that’s truly Ajax-worthy by the end of the 2025-26 season.
Josip Šutalo
Josip Šutalo had a tough first season at Ajax, and a lot of fans were ready to see him go—I’ll admit, I was one of them. When he first joined, I was so excited, but his performances that year were a real shock. Fast forward to this 2024-25 season, though, and he’s been our best defender, hands down. He’s impressed everyone with his interceptions, clearances, and much better positioning at the back.
I’d love to keep him for another year, but I get why Ajax might want to cash in on his strong season and sell him for a profit. With Johnny Heitinga just announced as our new coach, we’re likely to play differently compared to Farioli’s system. Šutalo thrived under Farioli, so the change could be a risk for next season. It might be smart to avoid that gamble and take the money now while his value is high. That said, I still believe if the tactics suit him, he’ll perform just as well in 2025-26.
Daniele Rugani
This one’s quick since Ajax already announced they won’t extend Daniele Rugani’s loan or sign him permanently. Rugani was great this 2024-25 season, especially for late-game management or stepping in when other defenders needed a break or were injured—his experience showed. But long-term, I agree with the club’s call to not keep him. I wish him the best wherever he lands next!
Youri Baas
If you’d told me before the 2024-25 season that Youri Baas would be in Ajax’s starting 11, I would’ve laughed. And if you’d said he’d be playing as a centre-back, I would’ve lost it completely. But Baas has been one of our standout players this season, no question. He and Šutalo were a great pairing, shutting down attacks and making our defense solid. His ball-playing ability was a game-changer, helping us build from the back with ease—though our late-season collapse showed we relied on him a bit too much.
With Johnny Heitinga coming in as our new coach, I’m curious to see where Baas will play next season. He’s shown he can adapt, whether at centre-back or elsewhere. Either way, keeping him in the squad is a no-brainer—he’s proven he’s Ajax quality and still has room to grow.
Ahmetcan Kaplan
Ahmetcan Kaplan showed some real promise back in the 2023-24 season, and I thought he’d be a lock to start as a centre-back this year. But injuries and poor performances held him back, and he just didn’t improve enough in 2024-25. Whenever he got playing time, it was clear our defense struggled—we conceded more chances and goals with him on the pitch. It wasn’t all his fault, but he also didn’t step up as a reliable defender for us.
That’s why I’d sell him. Kaplan’s proven to be injury-prone, and his performances don’t make a strong case for keeping him. He’s still got interest in the transfer market, especially from Turkish clubs, so he’s a hot prospect. We might not make a profit on him, but it’s time for him to go and for Ajax to move on.
Dies Janse
At the start of the 2024-25 season, Francesco Farioli gave Dies Janse some playing time, and it really looked like he was on track for a breakthrough year. But a bad injury early on derailed that, and it’s been a slow climb back. He’s been getting minutes with the second team and occasionally with the first team, where he’s shown flashes of potential as a left centre-back. You can see there’s something there, but he’s not quite ready for a bigger role just yet.
Given Ajax’s financial situation, I don’t think we need to sign another left centre-back. Dies should be our second option for the 2025-26 season—it’s the perfect chance for him to grow. It’s up to him now to prove he’s ready to step up and be a reliable part of the squad. I’d keep him and see what he can do with more time.
Jorrel Hato
Jorrel Hato is hands down the biggest talent in our first team right now, especially in defense. I thought it was a no-brainer that he’d start as a centre-back—his natural position—but Farioli decided to play him at left-back. With Youri Baas, a left-back by trade, starting at centre-back, that move raised some eyebrows early in the 2024-25 season. But Hato proved Farioli right. He’s been better as a left-back, in my opinion. His positional play and passing have helped us push higher up the pitch, and his speed on the wing has come in handy plenty of times.
With the World Cup coming up after the 2025-26 season and Ajax playing in the Champions League, I think Hato should stay one more year. It’d give him time to develop further and lock in his spot in the Dutch squad for the tournament. Hato’s mentioned he’s not set on leaving, but he’s open to a move if the right club comes along. If a big bid comes in, Ajax isn’t in a position to say no—we need the money. But if we can keep him, both Hato and the club would benefit from another year together.
Owen Wijndal
Owen Wijndal wraps up our defenders list, and for me, he’s a clear sell. He was solid at AZ before joining Ajax, but he’s never come close to that level with us. Injuries have held him back, sure, but even when he’s gotten game time in the 2024-25 season, he hasn’t shown he deserves to stay. His performances just haven’t been up to Ajax’s standard.
I’m sure there are clubs out there who’d take a chance on him to revive his career—maybe even back at a smaller Dutch club. But Ajax should take whatever money we can get and say goodbye. We need to focus on players who can deliver now, not wait for Wijndal to maybe find his form again.