Reports from Dutch football media suggest that Ajax Amsterdam midfielder Kjell Schmid may be set to switch shirt numbers ahead of the 2023-24 season, with the club’s official website confirming the change on Tuesday. The 22-year-old, who has been linked with a potential move to Bundesliga side Mainz 05, will wear the No. 17 jersey instead of his current No. 21, according to a statement from the Eredivisie champions.
What Happened?
Ajax released a brief announcement on their official website confirming Schmid’s jersey number change, citing “internal squad restructuring” as the reason. The statement read, “Kjell Schmid will transition to the No. 17 jersey for the upcoming campaign. This decision aligns with the club’s ongoing efforts to optimize squad numbering and player identification.”
The revelation came amid speculation about Schmid’s future at the club. The Dutch midfielder, who joined Ajax from PSV Eindhoven in 2021, has been a regular in the team’s midfield but has seen his playing time reduced in recent months. His potential move to Mainz 05, reported by Voetbal Fanatic, remains under discussion, with the Bundesliga club reportedly offering a loan deal with an option to buy.
Why It Matters Now
The jersey number change signals a potential shift in Schmid’s role within the squad. While Ajax typically avoids major renumbering unless tied to transfers or new signings, the move could indicate the club’s willingness to restructure its squad ahead of the 2023-24 season. The No. 17 jersey was previously worn by forward Sven van der Meer, who left for Vitesse Arnhem in 2022.
For Schmid, the change may also serve as a fresh start. His performance in the 2022-23 season was inconsistent, with 12 Eredivisie appearances and one goal. The move to No. 17 could be part of a broader strategy to reposition him as a more central figure in the midfield, particularly with the arrival of new coach Sebastian Hoeneß, who has emphasized tactical flexibility.
What’s Next?
The next confirmed checkpoint for Schmid’s situation will be the conclusion of negotiations with Mainz 05. Ajax’s sporting director, Marc Overmars, has stated that the club will make an official statement on the transfer by August 15. Meanwhile, Schmid is expected to participate in Ajax’s pre-season training camp in Austria, which begins on July 25.
The jersey number change itself is likely to be finalized by August 1, when the Eredivisie’s squad registration deadline approaches. Ajax’s current list of registered players includes 24 squad numbers, with Schmid’s No. 21 now available for potential new signings or loan players.
Context & History
Jersey number changes at Ajax are relatively rare but not unprecedented. In 2021, veteran defender Matthijs de Ligt moved from No. 4 to No. 2, a shift that coincided with his leadership role in the team. Similarly, striker David Neres transitioned from No. 11 to No. 9 ahead of the 2022-23 season, reflecting his increased responsibilities as a focal point in attack.
For Schmid, the move to No. 17 could also have symbolic significance. The number has been associated with several key players in Ajax’s history, including former midfielder Michel de Mayer, who wore it during the club’s 1995 UEFA Champions League victory. While the connection is likely coincidental, it underscores the cultural weight of squad numbers at the club.
What to Watch For
Football fans will be closely monitoring Schmid’s performance in pre-season matches, particularly his role in Ajax’s 4-2-3-1 formation under Hoeneß. The midfielder’s ability to adapt to a more central role could influence his chances of remaining at the club or securing a move abroad.
Additionally, the impact of the jersey number change on team dynamics remains to be seen. While squad numbers are primarily logistical, they can also affect player identity and fan perception. Schmid’s transition to No. 17 may also prompt discussions about the club’s approach to squad management in the coming years.
