Image Credits: Imago Images
Vitezslav Jaros completed a summer loan move to Ajax from Liverpool. The 24-year-old, who made two senior appearances for the Reds under Arne Slot last season, is approaching the midway point of his spell with the Eredivisie side.
Jaros has featured 16 times for Ajax in what has been a turbulent campaign, but he has been a regular starter for most of that period, having been third choice at Liverpool last term. Aware of the challenge in displacing Alisson Becker as Liverpool’s number one, he is determined to use his time in the Netherlands to develop and push for opportunities back at Anfield.
Jaros reunited with former Liverpool assistant John Heitinga at Ajax, but the Dutch coach was dismissed in November after five wins and five losses in 15 games. Jaros began the season as first-choice goalkeeper but lost his spot to veteran Remko Pasveer during Heitinga’s final weeks.
“If I say I’m satisfied, how can I improve?” he told De Telegraaf. “When I’m ready to become Liverpool’s first-choice goalkeeper – especially with two formidable competitors like Alisson Becker and Giorgi Mamardashvili – is difficult to say. Because taking their place isn’t easy. But that’s ultimately the goal. And once I succeed, I want to win the Champions League. I’m 24 years old, but I’ve moved around a lot and – partly due to a few loan spells as a Liverpool goalkeeper – I’ve already played for eight clubs.
“The path to the top is simply different for goalkeepers than for outfield players. Especially in England, when you play for one of the biggest clubs in the world, you don’t get that chance until you’re eighteen or nineteen. So I felt I needed to gain experience elsewhere, and the club agreed.
“It’s made me stronger and better. I’m really pleasantly surprised (about the quality in the Netherlands). There are many great and big clubs in the Netherlands with quality players, which means many matches are close and difficult to win. And the stadiums may not be as impressive as in the Premier League, but they’re still very nice. And you hardly see any empty seats.”
The shot-stopper added: “I had a wonderful time with him (John Heitinga) at Liverpool and know what a good coach he is. Moreover, Ajax is an immensely large and globally renowned club. Because of John and the club’s history and stature, it was an easy decision to make (to join Ajax). I like John, he’s a nice guy, and I think everyone in the squad agrees with that, so it was sad to see him go. I don’t think now is the right time to contact him and I’ll give him some time. But I’ll definitely call him.”
Read more: Manchester United prepared to move for Liverpool target in January 2026
David Ornstein provides fresh update on Mohamed Salah future
FA Cup 2025/26 fourth round opponents for Liverpool officially confirmed
Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.