Over the years, we’ve become accustomed to the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United signing talents from Ajax.
The Dutch side are a bonafide talent factory, and the Premier League love to take them away for big sums when they get the chance.
We’ve seen it numerous times over the years, particularly with Manchester United, who spent big to get Donny van Beek from the club last summer.
The talent at the club extends beyond the pitch, too, with the likes of Marc Overmars and Edwin van der Saar both linked with former clubs Arsenal and Manchester United in recent years.
And it seems there is a new name to add to that list, Menno Geelen. He’s the current commercial director at Ajax, having risen from an account manager in the sponsorship department to Head of Sponsorship in recent years.
Like Overmars and Van der Saar, he’s highly rated, having been voted ‘sponsor personality’ of the year in 2017 and named among the ‘most talented sales professionals’ by Leaders in Sport in 2017.
That has apparently earned him admirers in the Premier League, with Liverpool and their rivals all keen on him, according to sports marketer Chris Woerts.
“Menno is one of the most talented commercial directors in the Netherlands,” he told De Oranjezomer, relayed by Voetbal Primeur.
“He is now in demand by Super League clubs, especially the English clubs.
“Also because he is a good connector. He has done a lot commercially but also provides a platform for the fans. That is now recognised in England.
“Overmars and Van der Sar are often mentioned, but a number of headhunters have approached him.
“Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal could be possible. He’s a great talent that is being attracted.
“He did not want to say anything about it and says he is concentrating on Ajax. But headhunters are now looking to see if he wants to make a switch.
“He’s only 39, so I don’t know if he wants it now. But it’s a nice reward if he makes the switch to the Premier League.”
