How Ajax could have lined up if they hadn’t sold their star players

De Jong is the latest talent to leave Ajax for a top European club

Midfielders - Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona), Wesley Sneijder (Al-Gharafa) and Christian Eriksen (Spurs)

Frenkie de Jong is a generational talent and there was a battle for his signature between Europe’s biggest clubs before Barcelona announced that the Dutchman will join them next summer for a reported €75 million, plus a further €11 million in possible add-ons

De Jong has only played 65 games for the Ajax senior team and five games for the Dutch national team but he commanded such a high fee because of the ability he showed in those games which defied his age.

Also read: The amazing starting XI of players sold by Sevilla

The 21-year-old could be a potential long-term replacement for Sergio Busquets in the Barcelona midfield.

Sneijder notably played for Real Madrid and Inter Milan after leaving Ajax

Wesley Sneijder is arguably the best player to come through the Ajax academy in the 21st century. Sneijder played 180 games for Ajax in five seasons scoring 58 goals before a big move to Real Madrid.

After only two seasons with Real Madrid, Sneijder left the club to join Inter Milan where he played a pivotal role in helping the club win the treble before leading the Netherlands to the final of the FIFA World Cup. Controversially, he didn’t win the Ballon d’Or in 2010.

Also read: 11 amazing players Southampton sold that would give them a top team

The 34-year-old who currently plays for Al-Gharafa in Qatar is nearing the end of his playing days and recently retired from international football after scoring 31 times in 134 games.

Ajax sold Eriksen for only 11 million pounds

Christian Eriksen is the fourth former Ajax player on this list who is currently playing for Tottenham Hotspur and like Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld, Eriksen is also a product of the club’s famous academy.

The Dane played 162 games for Ajax scoring 32 goals before joining Tottenham for only £11 million!

Also read: The incredible XI of players sold by Borussia Dortmund

Eriksen has been a figure of consistency at Spurs since his arrival and has scored 62 goals in 254 games for the North London club.

Honourable mentions - Riechedly Bazoer (FC Utrecht), Nigel de Jong (Al Ahli) and Davy Klaassen (Werder Bremen)