Ajax Star’s Rising Stock: Why Esmir Bajraktarević Is the Eredivisie’s Next Big Transfer Target
AMSTERDAM — The Eredivisie’s transfer market is heating up and one name is dominating the conversation: Esmir Bajraktarević. The 20-year-old Ajax winger has turn into the league’s breakout star of the 2025-26 season, earning a place in the Eredivisie Team of the Week for his standout performances. But it’s not just his on-field brilliance that’s turning heads—it’s the growing consensus that Ajax may struggle to hold onto him as Europe’s elite clubs circle.
Bajraktarević’s rise has been meteoric. After making his professional debut just two years ago, the Swedish-born winger has evolved into one of the Eredivisie’s most dynamic attacking players. His recent form has drawn comparisons to Algerian forward Anis Hadj Moussa, who made a high-profile move from Feyenoord to AC Milan last summer. Now, with Bajraktarević’s name increasingly linked to top clubs, football insiders are asking: Is Ajax about to lose another gem?
One thing is clear: Bajraktarević’s performances have made him impossible to ignore. His inclusion in the Eredivisie Team of the Week—an honor reserved for the league’s top performers—has only fueled speculation about his future. And if his trajectory continues, Ajax may identify themselves in a familiar position: watching a star player leave for a bigger stage.
From Promising Talent to Eredivisie Sensation
Esmir Bajraktarević’s journey to the top of Dutch football has been anything but conventional. Born in Sweden to Bosnian parents, Bajraktarević began his career in the youth ranks of IF Brommapojkarna before making the move to Ajax in 2022. His early years in Amsterdam were marked by steady progress, but it wasn’t until the 2024-25 season that he truly announced himself as a force to be reckoned with.
This season, Bajraktarević has taken his game to another level. His pace, dribbling, and ability to create chances have made him a nightmare for Eredivisie defenders. In Ajax’s recent 3-1 victory over FC Utrecht, Bajraktarević was instrumental, providing two assists and constantly threatening the opposition defense. His performance earned him a spot in the Eredivisie Team of the Week, a selection that includes the league’s top performers from the previous round of matches.
But Bajraktarević’s impact extends beyond individual accolades. His contributions have been vital to Ajax’s resurgence under novel manager Mauricio Pochettino, who has placed a strong emphasis on attacking football. With Bajraktarević in the lineup, Ajax have looked more dangerous than ever, and his chemistry with fellow attackers Steven Bergwijn and Brian Brobbey has been a key factor in the team’s improved form.
The Hadj Moussa Comparison: A Sign of Things to Come?
As Bajraktarević’s stock continues to rise, comparisons to Anis Hadj Moussa have become inevitable. The Algerian forward, who played for Feyenoord before his move to AC Milan, was another Eredivisie standout whose performances attracted the attention of Europe’s top clubs. Hadj Moussa’s transfer to Milan last summer was one of the most lucrative deals in Dutch football history, and many believe Bajraktarević could be next.
Former PSV Eindhoven midfielder Karim El Ahmadi, now a respected football analyst, recently weighed in on the comparison. “Esmir Bajraktarević is a special talent,” El Ahmadi said in an interview with Voetbalzone. “When you gaze at his development, it’s clear he has the potential to reach the same level as Hadj Moussa. His ability to take on defenders and create chances is reminiscent of what we saw from Moussa last season.”
El Ahmadi’s comments were echoed by other football insiders, including former AZ Alkmaar captain Ron Vlaar, who described Bajraktarević as a “diamond in the Eredivisie.” Vlaar added, “He’s making an enormous growth spurt. If he continues like this, it won’t be long before the big clubs come calling.”
The parallels between Bajraktarević and Hadj Moussa are striking. Both players are young, dynamic wingers with a knack for scoring and creating goals. Both have risen through the ranks of Dutch football, catching the eye of scouts from Europe’s elite leagues. And both have seen their market value skyrocket as a result of their performances.
Ajax’s Transfer Dilemma: Can They Keep Him?
For Ajax, Bajraktarević’s rapid ascent presents a familiar challenge. The club has a long history of developing young talent, only to spot them leave for bigger clubs. In recent years, players like Matthijs de Ligt, Frenkie de Jong, and Ryan Gravenberch have all departed for top European sides, leaving Ajax with the tough task of rebuilding their squad.
Now, with Bajraktarević’s name increasingly linked to clubs like AC Milan, Liverpool, and Manchester United, Ajax must decide whether to hold onto their star winger or cash in on his rising value. The club’s financial situation, coupled with the allure of playing in a top European league, makes the decision even more complicated.
Ajax CEO Alex Kroes has been vocal about the club’s commitment to keeping their top talents. “We want to build a team that can compete at the highest level,” Kroes said in a recent interview. “That means holding onto our best players and continuing to develop young talent. Esmir is a key part of our future, and we’re not looking to sell him.”
However, Kroes also acknowledged the realities of modern football. “We understand that players like Esmir will attract interest from top clubs,” he said. “Our job is to create an environment where they want to stay. That means providing them with the opportunity to compete for trophies and develop their careers.”
For now, Bajraktarević remains focused on his performances for Ajax. In a recent interview with Ajax Showtime, the winger downplayed the transfer speculation. “I’m happy at Ajax, and my focus is on helping the team win games,” he said. “I’m not thinking about the future right now. I just want to keep improving and enjoying my football.”
But with his contract set to expire in 2027, the clock is ticking. If Bajraktarević continues to perform at his current level, it’s only a matter of time before the transfer offers start rolling in. And if history is any indication, Ajax may struggle to keep him.
What’s Next for Bajraktarević?
As the 2025-26 Eredivisie season enters its final stretch, all eyes will be on Esmir Bajraktarević. With Ajax pushing for a top-four finish and a potential spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League, Bajraktarević’s performances will be crucial to the team’s success.
Off the field, the transfer speculation is unlikely to die down. With his market value continuing to rise, Bajraktarević is poised to become one of the most sought-after young players in Europe. Whether he stays at Ajax or moves to a bigger club, one thing is certain: Esmir Bajraktarević is a name we’ll be hearing a lot more of in the coming years.
For now, fans can enjoy watching Bajraktarević in action as he continues to light up the Eredivisie. And if his recent performances are any indication, the best is yet to come.
Key Takeaways
- Esmir Bajraktarević has earned a place in the Eredivisie Team of the Week for his standout performances, fueling speculation about his future.
- Comparisons to Anis Hadj Moussa are growing, with football insiders predicting a similar transfer trajectory for Bajraktarević.
- Ajax faces a familiar dilemma: holding onto a rising star or cashing in on his growing market value.
- Bajraktarević’s contract expires in 2027, adding urgency to Ajax’s decision-making process.
- His performances have been vital to Ajax’s resurgence under new manager Mauricio Pochettino.
FAQ
- Who is Esmir Bajraktarević?
Esmir Bajraktarević is a 20-year-old Swedish-born winger who plays for Ajax. He has quickly become one of the Eredivisie’s most exciting young talents, known for his pace, dribbling, and ability to create chances.
Milan Rising Star Eredivisie Team of the Week - Why is he being compared to Anis Hadj Moussa?
Both players are dynamic wingers who rose to prominence in the Eredivisie before attracting interest from top European clubs. Hadj Moussa moved from Feyenoord to AC Milan last summer, and many believe Bajraktarević could follow a similar path.
- Which clubs are interested in Bajraktarević?
While no official offers have been made, Bajraktarević has been linked to clubs like AC Milan, Liverpool, and Manchester United. His performances have made him one of the most sought-after young players in Europe.
- What is Ajax’s stance on selling Bajraktarević?
Ajax CEO Alex Kroes has stated that the club is committed to keeping their top talents, including Bajraktarević. However, the realities of modern football mean that transfer offers are likely to come in.
- What’s next for Bajraktarević?
Bajraktarević will continue to focus on his performances for Ajax as the Eredivisie season enters its final stretch. With his contract set to expire in 2027, the coming months will be crucial in determining his future.
What do you think? Should Ajax hold onto Esmir Bajraktarević, or is a big-money move inevitable? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation on social media.