Ajax’s Aaron Bouwman has responded to recent reports linking him to Newcastle United and his manager comparing him to Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk.
The 19-year-old made his way into the first team in 2025 after coming up through the ranks of the Dutch club’s youth system. He has made 30 appearances so far, and 16 are from this season.
His performances have seen Ajax manager Míchel compare him to the Liverpool star. It has also caught the attention of other clubs, including Newcastle United.
Newcastle United showed interest
The centre-back gave an interview to Voetbal International, and Ajax Show Time have relayed his comments. The outlet points to interest from England in the summer while Newcastle United are reportedly showing interest.
These claims about the Magpies originated in the UK. That didn’t stop VI from asking the defender about the reports linking him to the Premier League side.
Responding to that, he said: “I actually never have anything to do with that myself. I just focus on Ajax and my agents handle it, if there is anything. I don’t really need to hear about it myself, and that didn’t happen either.”
The defender had already attracted interest from foreign clubs when he was 16.
On that topic, Aaron Bouwman explained: “Yes, but it is also: if you play in the Ajax youth academy, you are around that age and you have a bit of quality, then those clubs can come knocking quickly.”
Newcastle United need new centre-back
Matthias Jaissle has Malick Thiaw, Fabian Schär, Dan Burn and Sven Botman as the four centre-backs. Schär and Burn will turn 35 years before the end of the season and have their contracts until 2027.
Both are likely to leave, and the Magpies have to bring in at least one centre-back next summer. Aaron Bouwman can be an option for them. If he were to continue impressing for Ajax, the central defender is likely to attract more clubs next summer.
Ajax manager Míchel has said that the youngster could be the ‘new Virgil van Dijk’ and that he’s the most complete defender at the club. The Netherlands U19 international has responded to the praise from his own manager.
“Did he say that? [most complete defender]’ I think that’s nice. I can still improve defensively, and on the ball too. But when I look at myself, with the height I have and the technique on the ball, you could indeed perhaps say that I am good at both,” he added.
“I thought that was nice and fun to hear. But otherwise, it isn’t going to get into my head or anything. It’s not like I’ll be thinking ‘I am Virgil van Dijk’ at the next match. No, I am just Aaron Bouwman and I will remain so. But it is a nice compliment.”
Sport Witness Library: Dutch players at Newcastle United
