Manchester United versatile defender, Daley Blind has been left out of their pre-season tour to the United States. There have been reports circulating that the Dutchman is close to returning to his home club, Ajax in the summer.
Blind to return to Ajax
The Dutch defender was signed by Manchester United back in 2014 under then manager, Louis van Gaal.
He is best known for his ability to play in multiple positions across the field. Blind can play as a defensive midfielder, centre back and also as a left back.
The deal to Ajax is expected to be around £14.1 million and could eventually mint Manchester United £18.5m with add-on clauses. The defender had fallen down the pecking order since Jose Mourinho took over two years ago.
He was sparingly used by the Portuguese tactician and his desire to play for more time could be a driving factor to move back to Ajax.
Ajax CEO and former Manchester United goalkeeper, Edwin van der Sar also expressed his interest in getting back Blind to Amsterdam. The return of Blind will significantly strengthen Ajax’s team.
“I think Daley is a fantastic player,” Edwin van de Sar told Omnisport. “He’s multi-functional, can be a left-back, centre-half and a defensive midfielder. For Netherlands and for Manchester United, he played many good games.
“I think it’s no secret that we [Ajax] are still looking for a central defender and, if possible, it would be a great addition for Ajax to have a player with the quality of Daley to fit in the team. But we still have to look at how the options are possible.”
Dutch football in transition
Ajax has not been the driving force in European football for a long time now. But with Dutch football undergoing transition, Daley Blind could be the leader the team will be looking up to. Blind will also get considerable playing time, but he will need to ensure he keeps up his quality despite going back to Eredivisie.
The Netherlands had failed to qualify for Euro 2016 and the FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia as well. Considering the massive image they have as a footballing nation, it is up to experienced players like Daley Blind to take the country forward. The upcoming Dutch generation does have the talent to make their mark.