Liverpool and Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Jurrier Timber from Ajax this summer to shore up their respective rearguards.
According to HITC via Liverpool Echo, as cited by Anfield Watch’s Twitter account, the likes of Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid and Marseille are also interested in acquiring the services of the versatile Dutchman who can slot in at right-back and in central defense.
NEW: Liverpool are reported to be one of many clubs interested in Jurrien Timber of Ajax. The likes of Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid and Marseille are also all in pursuit. #lfc [hitc via liverpool echo]
— Anfield Watch (@AnfieldWatch) April 26, 2023
Timber was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United last summer, with Erik ten Hag familiar with the player, having coached him at Ajax. However, a transfer never materialized and Manchester United turned to his ex-Ajax teammate Lisandro Martinez, with the Argentine moving to Old Trafford for a fee believed to be in the region of £57.5 million, including add-ons.
Earlier this month, Dutch television show Veronica Offside claimed that Timber’s girlfriend was spotted house-hunting in Liverpool, adding more value to claims that Liverpool’s interest in the 21-year-old could be genuine. However, the Reds will have to see off competition from a handful of European rivals to secure his signature.
ANFIELD WATCH VERDICT
Timber has already played a lot of football for a 21-year-old and is also a full Dutch international, having been called up by Louis van Gaal to represent the Netherlands at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The Dutchman’s versatility could also prove to be invaluable to Liverpool, with the Reds adopting a new formation in recent weeks.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has slotted into midfield in recent weeks and with Joel Matip’s future uncertain, reports suggest Liverpool could be in the market for a defender this summer. Timber won’t be short of suitors and could opt to reunite with former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag if Manchester United make an offer for him, but he certainly ticks a lot of boxes for Liverpool.