All you need to know about the potential Barcelona-Ajax partnership
Recently, Barcelona and Ajax have been in the headlines for a potential agreement that would change the overview of the transfer market in the coming years. Though it has not been officially declared, multiple sources have strongly reported the same
If Joseph Maria Bartomeu pulls off this agreement, Barcelona fans would welcome him back for another term as president with a Red Carpet. Its a Boon for Barca, but a Bane for football
Why?
This deal potentially deems Barcelona's future secure. Ajax and Barcelona have a long-standing affair between them. But so far it has been a one-sided affair, as the Catalan giants keep buying the Ajax players for hefty sums, knowing that the players would seamlessly fit into their philosophy.
What this potential deal states is that
- Barcelona will get the first chance to sign Ajax stars, before other clubs throw their hands into the mix, provided they match the money other clubs offer
- Barcelona players, on the other hand, get to move to Ajax on loan (which may include a buy clause for Ajax’s benefit)
This is called a win-win situation for Valverde & co.
In the current scenario, it means that players like Malcolm Oliviera and Jean-Clair Todibo who aren’t getting minutes will get to go on loan to the Eredivisie. Playing at Ajax is essentially training at La Masia, with match practice.
On the other hand, imagine Barca getting to sign De Jong and De Ligt, without having to face pressure from any other club. They know they have the player, it's only the money they need to match.
On the retrospect, it isn’t a great move for the sport as a whole. Ajax produces some of the biggest young guns, maybe best in the business. But limiting other clubs from getting a go until 1 team says they don't want a particular player is horrid. Subjecting other teams to intense bidding resulting in sky high prices, but shielding 1 specific club from it doesn’t make much sense.
Whatever money another club is willing to pay, they still won't be guaranteed their man, as Barca will still have a chance to equal it. We would never see top Ajax players in any club other than Barca, which in simple terms Sucks.
To all Cules, it will be a dream come true. But to a supporter of any other club, frustrating would be an understatement.