Football Agent Criticizes Ajax’s Attitude Towards ‘Unreliable’ Porto
Guido Albers, the agent for newly signed Lazio midfielder Kenneth Taylor, spoke out about Ajax’s refusal to engage in transfer negotiations with FC Porto. This situation involved Taylor, a promising 23-year-old player whose contract with Ajax was set to expire in 2027.
Ajax’s Stance on Transfers
In January, Kenneth Taylor officially transferred to Lazio for €16.85 million. However, Albers disclosed that Ajax had opportunities to sell Taylor for over €30 million during the summer transfer window of 2025. Interest from multiple clubs, including Wolverhampton Wanderers and FC Porto, surfaced during this period.
Wolverhampton’s Bid
- Wolverhampton proposed a transfer fee exceeding €30 million for Taylor.
- Albers indicated that Wolves’ interest set the tone for Ajax’s expectations.
Albers expressed confidence that a transfer would occur during this window. He highlighted that various factors contributed to the failed negotiations.
Porto’s Late Bid
FC Porto, under manager Francesco Farioli, entered the race at the last moment with a €22 million offer for Taylor. Albers described how Porto’s pursuit intensified and that Farioli was eager to bring the midfielder to the club. However, Ajax dismissed Porto’s reliability in financial dealings.
- Ajax perceived Porto as a “club from a Third World Country.”
- Albers noted that Ajax’s management refused to engage in negotiations with a club they deemed unreliable.
According to Albers, as discussions between Porto and Ajax progressed, a deal seemed imminent until Ajax decided against it. The situation left Albers and Taylor disappointed, as the opportunity to join a club with a solid development history slipped away.
Conclusion
The contradictions in Ajax’s transfer policy have left players like Kenneth Taylor seeking new opportunities elsewhere. Albers’s remarks shed light on the complexities of football negotiations and Ajax’s concerning assessment of potential partners like FC Porto.
