Sunday, 8th May, 2011
Ajax defender Jan Vertonghen has admitted that this is the first year he is considering leaving the Amsterdam ArenA. The 24-year-old is a target for AC Milan, Arsenal and Barcelona, with the three sides sure to be interested in the Belgian’s admission.
Vertonghen’s fate may well be sealed by exactly what Ajax win this season. Frank de Boer’s side go head-to-head with FC Twente another two times this season to determine the destination of the Dutch Cup and Eredivisie; the two meet later today in the Dutch Cup final, while in the Eredivisie a single point separates the sides with Twente due to play Ajax on the final matchday next weekend – and if Ajax pick up the title Vertonghen could leave.
"This is the first year that I would consider a departure", said Vertonghen. "If the advantage outweigh the disadvantages it’s certainly worth considering."
And the Belgian has revealed that he is staying in close contact with former team-mate Luis Suarez who moved from Ajax to Liverpool in January. Indeed, if Vertonghen headed to Arsenal then he could come face to face with Suarez next season – albeit as opponents.
"Certainly, we regularly send each other text messages. I get along with him very well, though we had fierce debates", said Vertonghen of Suarez.
"There are wonderful stories I hear from guys who play abroad. I hear them from Luis, but also six or seven guys with the Belgian national team."
Latest Features:
