AMSTERDAM - Youri Baas of Ajax after the Eredivisie match between AFC Ajax and AZ Alkmaar at the Johan Cruijff ArenA on October 31, 2026 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. KEVIN SENDERS / ANP (Photo by ANP via Getty Images)
Gill Clark Gill Clark is the site manager of Barca Blaugranes and joined in 2017. She has worked in sports media as a writer and editor for the best part of two decades and has been in love with the beautiful game for as long as she can remember.
Ajax defender Youri Baas admits he’s flattered to hear about reported interest from Barcelona in his services.
Reports this week have claimed that the Catalans have added Baas to their list of targets as they look for defensive reinforcements for Hansi Flick’s squad.
Baas was asked about the rumors after featuring for Ajax in a 6-1 thumping of FC Midtjylland in the Europa Conference League this week and is happy to hear such talk doing the rounds.
“I think it’s the biggest club in the world. It’s a huge compliment,” he told reporters. “I have no idea where they come from, but I have seen something. It’s nice, of course.”
Baas is one of several defenders currently being linked with Barcelona but actually played in midfield for Ajax on Thursday night which he admitted was something of a surprise.
”I’ve played there for twenty minutes or half an hour before, but starting was new to me,” he added.
“[Michel] did drop a little hint. He came up to me on the training pitch and said: ‘Today you look like a midfielder.’ Then I thought: ‘That opportunity is there.’ It’s close to the position I’ve played more often, so I have a pretty good idea of what is expected.
“I play wherever the coach needs me. Everyone knows what my best position is. But I can play in multiple positions, so it is up to the coach to make a choice. I think it is good for my development to be able to play in multiple positions.”