Manchester United are displaying keen interest in Ajax Amsterdam prospect Jorthy Mokio
Manchester United have been linked with a move for Ajax prospect Jorthy Mokio, and reports from journalist Sacha Tavolieri suggest their interest seems serious. The teenager, just 17, has quickly drawn attention across Europe, prompting Newcastle United to track him closely as well.
Although other big clubs such as Liverpool and Chelsea have shown interest in connection with his future, the Manchester club appears the most committed at this stage, raising anticipation around how negotiations might unfold.
Ajax staff currently rate Mokio’s potential highly and value him strongly. The club would prefer to extend the 17-year-old’s contract, though he has yet to pledge his future, leaving the situation open.
Manchester United are displaying keen interest in Ajax Amsterdam prospect Jorthy Mokio.
Mokio would be a solid long-term acquisition for Manchester United if they can get the deal done
That uncertainty adds to speculation as the defender nears a phase where choices can change his career. While Ajax believe losing such a promising figure would frustrate them, the appeal of Old Trafford could influence his thinking.
Manchester United have built a reputation for integrating young talent into senior roles, and therefore, the idea of developing within their structure means something. Additionally, a move to England at this age brings risk, but it could speed up his development. The next steps will depend on how assertively Manchester United push talks in the coming months.
Will he be a good replacement for Harry Maguire?
The Red Devils have to make an important decision while they plan things for their backline. Morkio’s profile certainly provides the club with a strong option for long-term planning rather than quick results. He is just 17 years old and has already displayed his calmness, physical traits, and technical qualities when on the ball.
The Belgian can also play in different defensive positions, and he is naturally left-footed. This will surely provide ample opportunity for Ruben Amorim to adjust his tactics without hampering the balance. The Ajax youngster is also good with his tackles, and does have the knack to initiate quick counter-attacks with proper passes from the back. It shows that he is a modern defender.
However, experience remains a key difference. Maguire, now 32, brings years of top-level matches and international leadership, which Mokio simply doesn’t have. Even so, United cannot plan their future by trying to copy what came before.
Instead, with Maguire nearing the end of his contract, which expires in 2026, the club would gain more by letting different generations overlap instead of trying to replace players in the exact same way. Former Manchester United defender Paul Parker has wanted the club to part ways with the Englishman, and meanwhile, some reports have revealed that Maguire is ready to snub Saudi riches for a Manchester United stay.
As a succession option, Mokio fits a plan where a defensive group grows naturally under coaching. Still, they would need a proven centre-back to handle senior expectations in the short term. Moving for him now makes financial sense and supports proper planning. United should go ahead, but with the understanding that this move prepares for the future rather than fixes the present.