Manchester United right-back Ethan Laird has reportedly emerged as a transfer target for Eredivisie giants Ajax.
According to Dutch journalist Gerjan Hamstelaar, Eredivisie champions Ajax are exploring the possibility of signing right-back Ethan Laird from Manchester United. The 20-year-old has spent the last two seasons out on loan and has made just two first-team appearances for the Red Devils.
Laird is a Manchester United academy product and rose through the ranks to make his first senior appearance for the club in the 2019/20 season in the UEFA Europa League. He was subsequently sent out on loan to MK Dons in League One, and he made 25 appearances across all competitions for the English minnows.
Swansea City came calling next, and the Welsh outfit signed him on a year-long loan deal. Laird did well, playing 21 games for Swansea across all competitions, but his spell with them was cut short as Manchester United agreed on a deal with Bournemouth in the January transfer window.
The 20-year-old then joined the Cherries on a six-month loan but made just six appearances before returning to Old Trafford ahead of the upcoming 2022/23 season. Laird does not feature in new manager Erik ten Hag’s plans going forward and could be on the move away from Manchester United again this summer.
?- Ik zou het niet raar vinden als Ajax de mogelijkheden bekijkt en serieus overweegt om rechtsback Ethan Laird (20???????) van Manchester United over te nemen. pic.twitter.com/bXteg9D3g5
— Gerjan Hamstelaar (@Hamstelaar) July 19, 2022
Erik ten Hag’s former club Ajax could provide Laird with a way out of Old Trafford, as they are considering making a move for the young full-back. There is little clarity on whether the Dutch giants prefer a loan move or a permanent deal.
Laird’s possible deal will not be the only piece of business between Manchester United and Ajax this summer. Manchester United have already signed defender Lisandro Martinez from Ajax, with ten Hag succeeding in reuniting with his former charge at Ajax.
The Red Devils are also in the market for Ajax winger Antony but are yet to make an official approach as they are waiting for more clarification on Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at Old Trafford. The Premier League giants were also interested in Dutch defender Jurrien Timber, but Netherlands head coach Louis van Gaal reportedly talked him out of a move to Manchester United.
