Derksen questions Ajax’s Ter Stegen and Henrique transfers as doubts grow

Johan Derksen and Valentijn Driessen have questioned the potential signings of Marc-André ter Stegen and Caio Henrique by Ajax. The pair aired their concerns during the Oranje broadcast.

Derksen described Ter Stegen’s possible move as premature, noting the goalkeeper’s injury record. “He arrives now with a keeper who has played only three matches in 22 months,” Derksen said. “He is injured every time.”

Driessen echoed the scepticism, adding that Ajax’s pursuit of Ter Stegen was premature. “They act as if they have landed the main prize,” he remarked. The former journalist also highlighted the club’s early Conference League schedule as a complicating factor.

Henrique’s transfer from AS Monaco was also scrutinised. René van der Gijp questioned the financial logic behind the deal. “He had to leave Monaco because he was overpaid,” van der Gijp said. “But is he now earning significantly less?”

Derksen linked both transfers to Ajax’s historical prestige, though he questioned its current standing. “The club still carries an old name, but nothing remains of it,” he said. He praised the team’s opening result against the Greek side but added that the players appeared unprepared.

Driessen laughed at the remark and pointed out the timing issue. “The players still don’t understand it all,” he said. “That’s a problem when you’re already in the Conference League by the 22nd.”

Van der Gijp concluded by calling Henrique’s situation “a strange story” and questioned whether the club had secured value for money in either deal.

The trio’s comments come amid growing concerns about Ajax’s transfer strategy and early European commitments.