Sports

Jurrien Timber: Arsenal sign Ajax & Netherlands defender for £34m

Arsenal have completed the signing of Netherlands defender Jurrien Timber from Ajax for £34m.

Timber’s fee could rise to £38.5m and the 22-year-old joins on a long-term deal.

Advertisement

He will further bolster Arsenal’s defence after centre-back William Saliba agreed a new four-year contract.

“We’re really excited Jurrien has joined us. He is a versatile young defender,” said Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta

Advertisement

“Jurrien is a young player, but has already achieved so much. He has experienced what it’s like to go to a major international tournament on more than one occasion, as well as the trophies he has won with Ajax. We look forward to welcoming and integrating Jurrien into the squad.”

The versatile Dutch defender, who can play in the centre of defence or at right-back, had been linked with Manchester United, while Bayern Munich were also known to be interested.

Advertisement

He has won 15 caps for the Netherlands, including four at the Qatar World Cup, where he helped Louis van Gaal’s side reach the quarter-finals.

Timber said he has “always been a fan of Arsenal”, which stemmed from his brothers’ love for the club.

Advertisement

“They were always Arsenal fans, and I just loved seeing Arsenal play. They had big players, the way they played, the style. I just love the club,” said Timber.

“I had this from a young age, but my brothers kind of put that in me. I liked watching Robin van Persie of course, and Thierry Henry. They were my favourite players.”

Advertisement

He will add strength to the spine of an Arsenal team that finished runners-up to Manchester City in a closely fought Premier League title race last season and qualified for the Champions League after a six-year absence.

His signing follows that of 24-year-old Germany forward Kai Havertz from Chelsea, with West Ham midfielder Declan Rice also close to completing a club-record £105m move to Emirates Stadium.

Advertisement

Arsenal have also agreed new contracts with Bukayo Saka, 21, and Reiss Nelson, 23, while experienced Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka, 30, joined German side Bayer Leverkusen for £21.4m.

Timber made 47 appearances in all competitions for Ajax last season, including all six of their games in the Champions League group stage, and helped the Amsterdam side to win the Eredivisie title in 2021 and 2022.

Advertisement

Arsenal sporting director Edu said: “We are very happy to bring Jurrien to Arsenal. He is a player that we have admired for a long time, so it’s a credit to everyone in our team that made this happen.

“Jurrien is a young, talented international player, who fits our vision of competing with a young, strong squad. I know Jurrien cannot wait to get started and we’re really hoping that he will be a great success here for many years.”

Advertisement

‘Timber reminiscent of Van Dijk’ – Analysis

Arthur Renard, Dutch football journalist

Defensively solid all round, a great ability to read the game and very strong on the ball, it is understandable why Mikel Arteta was keen to bring Timber to the Emirates.

Advertisement

For the national team he has played mostly on the right of a three-man defence, next to Virgil van Dijk. The Liverpool centre-back praised Timber’s development, saying he was not nearly as far along at the same age, describing him as a great player and true professional.

In some ways Timber’s game is reminiscent of Van Dijk’s – both are calm in one-on-one situations, anticipating strikers’ movements and choosing the right moment to intervene.

Advertisement

Their reading of the game makes them stand out, as well as being able to receive the ball in pressured situations.

Timber’s impressive technique and ball control come in handy when going forward, but his defensive characteristics are equally impressive as he uses his body well to hold players off, which is also demonstrated by his well-timed blocks and sliding tackles.

Advertisement
citynews

Recent Posts

Breaking: FIRS Announces Fresh Recruitment, See Eligibility Criteria, Application Deadline

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has begun its recruitment exercise for experienced professionals to…

4 hours ago

Primate Ayodele’s Prophecies For 2025

Primate Elijah Ayodele Unveils 94-Page Prophecy for 2025, Makes Striking Predictions About Nigeria’s Political and…

6 hours ago

Tinubu’s Aide Condemns Plan To Reinstall ‘Jesus Is Not God’ Banner In Lekki Mosque

The Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Community Engagement (North Central), Abiodun Essiet,…

9 hours ago

President Tinubu’s reforms not responsible for food stampedes – FG

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has warned politicians against linking stampedes…

9 hours ago

I will be more influential in Nigeria than UK – Tobi Adegboyega

Tobi Adegboyega, founder of the Salvation Proclaimers Anointed Church (SPAC Nation), has stated that he…

9 hours ago

Petrol To Sell ₦‎935/Litre From Today – IPMAN

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria has said that petrol is going to sell…

9 hours ago