Ajax defender attracting interest from Liverpool
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Image Credits: Imago ImagesDefensive reinforcements were a paramount concern for Liverpool throughout the summer transfer window, with the centre-back position emerging as an area requiring immediate attention.
The Reds’ defensive depth was significantly depleted following Jarell Quansah’s £35 million departure to Bayer Leverkusen, leaving just three senior centre-backs in the squad.
This shortage prompted Arne Slot to identify defensive additions as his top priority, leading to the successful £26 million acquisition of Giovanni Leoni from Parma.
Liverpool also pursued Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi throughout the summer, agreeing a £35 million deal that was ultimately blocked by Palace chairman Steve Parish on deadline day.
Adding further complexity to the defensive situation was Ibrahima Konate’s contract standoff, with the French international entering the final year of his deal and rejecting multiple extension offers from the club.
With that in mind, it appears the club is continuing to do their due diligence in the market, and have identified a defender to futureproof their backline.
Aaron Bouwman has emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting defensive prospects, with the Ajax academy product generating significant interest from top clubs across the continent.
According to TeamTALK, all of Liverpool Chelsea, Man Utd, Manchester City and Barcelona are believed to be keen on the teenager
The 6ft 2in defender made his Eredivisie debut in August 2025 against SC Telstar, stepping in for injured Josip Sutalo and delivering a composed performance that helped Ajax secure a 2-0 victory.
Born in Haarlem to a Dutch father and Jamaican-English mother, Bouwman holds dual Dutch and British citizenship
Adding another layer to Liverpool’s interest is Bouwman’s current development under John Heitinga, who joined Ajax as manager after serving as Arne Slot’s assistant during Liverpool’s triumphant 2024/25 Premier League-winning campaign.
Heitinga has been impressed with the young defender’s progress, allowing him valuable minutes during pre-season and integrating him into the first-team setup.
Ajax, fully aware of Bouwman’s skyrocketing potential, have reportedly begun talks to extend his contract beyond its current 2027 expiration date.
According to the report, Bouwman is widely considered one of Ajax’s most promising young players, with senior figures at the club convinced that he possesses the ability and potential to reach the highest levels in football.
The teenager has already revealed that his idol is Virgil van Dijk, saying to Ajax’s official website:
“His composure on the ball, his technique, his passing, and of course his defending
It’s really everything about his presence,” he said.
“The top four of the Premier League is my ultimate dream, although playing at the top in Spain or another major footballing country would also be amazing,”
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