Photo by EYE4images/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by EYE4images/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Everton are reportedly weighing up a move to make Aaron Bouwman a Toffee in the near future. Here is everything you need to know about the Dutch centre-back.
The January transfer window is still three months away, yet already, Everton look likely to be doing business. Troy Parrott is one name being mentioned as a much-needed striker addition to compete with Thierno Barry.
But now, young Ajax defender Aaron Bouwman is also being monitored, according to Ekrem Konur, with Everton alongside Brighton and Newcastle in tracking the Dutch youth international.
So with the interest now clear, here is everything you need to know about Bouwman.
Meet Everton target Aaron Bouwman
While a defender shouldn’t be topping Everton’s priority list this season at all, signing a talent in the ilk of Bouwman would be a shrewd investment from the Toffees.
At just 19, Bouwman is already becoming a semi-regular for Ajax in the Eredivisie, playing in four of seven possible games this season for the historic Dutch side.
Born in Haarlem, Bouwman is an Amsterdam native but interestingly is eligible to play for both the Netherlands and England internationally through his mother.
19 years old
Right-footed
Dutch/English
Centre-back
He started his career at Koninklijke HFC Haarlem Youth, before joining Ajax in 2018 as a 10-year-old, playing his way through the ranks right up until the first-team.
This season is Bouwman’s breakthrough for Ajax and as a player he is one to be excited about. Standing at 6ft 6in tall, he is surprisingly mobile for his size and already really well rounded.
As is typical with the those who come through the Ajax system, Bouwman is really strong on the ball, boasting a 100th percentile pass completion rate among his Eredivisie peers this season, which is massively impressive considering his age and lack of experience.
Bouwman’s contract doesn’t expire until 2030 and so it would be assumed that he will cost a sizeable amount. But with his huge potential, it would be a worthwhile pursuit.
Interestingly, Bouwman could almost be a ready made successor to James Tarkowski on the right of the defence, partnering with future world beater Jarrad Branthwaite. Bouwman and Branthwaite would be an exciting combination, both being massive at 6’6 and 6’5 respectively, while also being modern centre-backs who are as good on the ball as they are off it.