Amsterdam – Ajax is already evaluating its options in goal for next season, despite a solid debut performance by Maarten Paes against NEC Nijmegen. While the 25-year-old goalkeeper made a decent first impression, club officials are reportedly not entirely convinced, according to reports from Dutch media outlet Kick-off on De Telegraaf.
Paes stepped into the starting role following an injury to Vitezslav Jaros. His debut came in a 1-1 draw against NEC Nijmegen in an Eredivisie match on February 22, 2026, a game too highlighted by a debut for Paes himself, as reported by Kompas.com. Despite the draw, the club is reportedly planning to pursue another goalkeeper in the next transfer window.
“I don’t feel he will be the first-choice goalkeeper for Ajax,” said Valentijn Verweij on the Kick-off podcast. “After this season, Ajax wants to bring in at least an equal player and perhaps even a better one. Despite the fact that I thought he did reasonably well against NEC.”
Fellow podcast participant Valentijn Driessen offered a more critical assessment of Paes’ performance. While acknowledging some solid saves, Driessen questioned the goalkeeper’s distribution and positioning. “He had a number of good saves, but the way he built up play… that’s not what you want. He played people into positions he shouldn’t have, or simply gave the ball to NEC. There was something wrong with that. He also struggled with corners,” Driessen stated.
Driessen specifically pointed to defensive lapses involving Ahmetcan Kaplan, who frequently appeared to be unmarked, with responsibility falling partially on Kian Fitz-Jim, but also on Paes’ lack of command of his area. “The organization wasn’t good, but a goalkeeper can also do something about that. He didn’t do anything at all,” Driessen concluded.
Maarten Paes, born May 14, 1998, in Nijmegen, Netherlands, currently plays as a goalkeeper for Ajax, having signed a contract with the club that runs through mid-2029, according to Wikipedia. His career path includes stints at N.E.C., FC Utrecht, and FC Dallas before joining Ajax in 2026. He also has international experience, having represented the Netherlands at various youth levels and, more recently, Indonesia.
The scrutiny of Paes’ performance comes at a crucial time for Ajax, who are currently navigating a challenging Eredivisie season. The club is looking to solidify its position among the league’s elite and compete effectively in European competitions. A reliable and commanding presence in goal is considered essential to achieving those goals. The draw against NEC Nijmegen, as reported by Flashscore.com, highlighted the need for improvement in both defensive organization and individual performances.
The search for a potential upgrade in goal could see Ajax explore both domestic and international options. The club’s scouting network will likely be tasked with identifying goalkeepers who possess not only shot-stopping ability but also the distribution skills and command of the penalty area that Driessen highlighted as areas for improvement in Paes’ game. For fans following the Eredivisie, the goalkeeper situation at Ajax will be a key storyline to watch as the season progresses and the club prepares for the next transfer window.
Ajax’s next match is scheduled for March 8th against Feyenoord. This will be a crucial test for Paes and the team as they look to improve their league standing. The outcome of this match, and Paes’ performance within it, could significantly influence the club’s decision-making regarding the goalkeeper position in the long term.
What are your thoughts on Maarten Paes’ debut and Ajax’s potential goalkeeper search? Share your opinions in the comments below.
