Rondom Ajax: El Ahmadi Twijfelt Aan Basisplaats Voor Verhuurde Ajacied: ‘Weet Niet Of Het Gaat Werken’
Former Ajax midfielder Ismaïl El Ahmadi has expressed uncertainty about whether a loanee defender currently impressing on loan at FC Groningen can secure a starting role upon his return to Amsterdam, casting doubt over the player’s immediate future at the club.
The comments come amid ongoing speculation surrounding the defender’s future, with multiple Belgian outlets reporting that Club Brugge has entered advanced discussions regarding a potential transfer for the Ajax-owned player currently excelling on loan in the Eredivisie.
According to reports from VoetbalPrimeur, Club Brugge scout Sacha Tavolieri claims the Belgian champions have been monitoring the progress of the Ajax loanee at FC Groningen and are impressed with his development during the second half of the season. Tavolieri stated that Club Brugge has already engaged in talks with the player’s management, though Ajax has yet to receive an official bid.
The defender in question is Dies Janse, a 20-year-old centre-back born on January 17, 2006, in Goes, Netherlands. Janse joined Ajax’s academy from Sparta Rotterdam in 2020 and signed his first professional contract with the club in August 2023 after making his debut for Jong Ajax. He made four appearances for Ajax’s senior team during the 2023-24 season before joining FC Groningen on a season-long loan deal on August 19, 2025.
Since arriving at Groningen, Janse has established himself as a regular starter, making 15 league appearances as of December 30, 2025. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with Tavolieri claiming Club Brugge is particularly impressed with his development in the second half of the season. The Belgian club reportedly views Janse as a potential long-term solution in defence.
Ajax’s hesitation regarding a potential sale stems from Janse’s contract situation and defensive depth at the club. The Dutch international youth player has approximately three years remaining on his Ajax contract, which runs until 2028. However, Ajax possesses several other defensive options, including Youri Baas, Ko Itakura, Josip Sutalo, and Aaron Bouwman, creating competition for starting positions.
El Ahmadi’s skepticism about the player’s readiness for a starting role at Ajax appears rooted in the significant step up in quality between the Eredivisie and the level required to consistently feature for Ajax’s first team. The former Morocco international, who made over 150 appearances for Ajax between 2012 and 2017, questioned whether the loanee’s current form at Groningen would translate effectively to the higher demands of playing for Ajax in both domestic competitions and European tournaments.
The situation presents a classic dilemma for Ajax: cash in on a promising academy product who is attracting interest from abroad, or retain a player who may need another season of development before being ready to contribute regularly at the highest level. Club Brugge’s reported interest adds urgency to the decision, as the Belgian champions are known for acting decisively when identifying transfer targets.
For Janse personally, the prospect of a move to Club Brugge would represent a significant career step. The Belgian Pro League offers regular European competition and a platform that could accelerate his development, though it would mean leaving the club where he has developed since 2020. Conversely, returning to Ajax to fight for playing time amid established internationals and highly rated young talents presents its own challenges.
As of late April 2026, no official bid has been submitted to Ajax for Janse, according to Tavolieri’s claims reported by VoetbalPrimeur. The player continues his loan spell at FC Groningen, where he has become a key figure in their defensive setup. Any potential transfer would likely be resolved during the upcoming summer window, with both clubs evaluating their options.
The developments surrounding Janse highlight Ajax’s ongoing challenge of balancing youth development with immediate competitive needs. While the club’s academy continues to produce talented defenders, integrating them into a first team competing for domestic titles and European qualification requires careful management of playing time and expectations.
For now, El Ahmadi’s doubts reflect a broader concern within Ajax’s orbit about whether loanees returning from successful spells elsewhere are truly ready to step into starting roles immediately, or whether they benefit from additional time to adapt to the specific pressures and tactical demands of playing for one of the Netherlands’ most successful clubs.
The next checkpoint in this situation will likely come with the conclusion of the Eredivisie season in May 2026, after which transfer negotiations typically intensify. Ajax will need to assess Janse’s final performances on loan while weighing Club Brugge’s reported interest against their own defensive planning for the 2026-27 campaign.
What remains clear is that the young defender’s impressive loan spell has generated legitimate interest from abroad, presenting Ajax with a decision that could significantly influence both the player’s career trajectory and their own squad planning for the coming season.
As this story develops, Archysport will continue to monitor verified sources for any official updates regarding Dies Janse’s future, whether that involves a potential transfer to Club Brugge, a return to Ajax, or another outcome entirely.
Share your thoughts on whether Dies Janse is ready for a starting role at Ajax or if a move to Club Brugge would better serve his development. Join the conversation in the comments below.
