Andre Onana is finding form at Manchester United these days but that has not stopped reports suggesting the Premier League giants could look to bring in another goalkeeper.
And after Erik ten Hag raided his old employers to bring Lisandro Martinez and Antony to Old Trafford, speculation suggests that Red Devils could return to a familiar hunting ground when the summer window opens and the Ineos regime truly begins.
Ajax, during the ill-fated Sven Mislintat era, spent over £100 million on new players under the former Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund talentspotter. And while the vast majority have been nothing short of massive disappointments, one of the few expectations is without doubt Diant Ramaj.
The German shot-stopper – a £7 million signing from Eintracht Frankfurt – is shaping up to be Ajax’s finest goalkeeper since Onana departed for Inter Milan in the summer of 2022.
In fact, Ramaj has been so impressive that – according to BILD’s Christian Falk – Manchester United have joined Arsenal and Chelsea in pursuit of a 22-year-old who had only two first-team appearances under his belt before arriving in Amsterdam.
Manchester United eye another Ajax ace
Ramaj, meanwhile, is doing little to distance himself from those reports. He is both aware of the speculation, and seemingly not averse to fuelling it either.
“I’ve heard that, yes,” the former Germany Under-20 international tells Voetbal International when asked about those Man United links.
“I see things like that as feedback for my work here. I see the fact that big clubs are showing interest as a compliment. I’ll continue to work on everything, as I am doing now.”
Ramaj, by his own admission, is not the finished article just yet. There have been a few high-profile mistakes, Ramaj beaten at his near post during a recent 2-2 draw with Fortuna Sittard.
But the talented glovesman also possesses many of the attributes a typically forward-thinking manager – such as Erik ten Hag for instance – tends to look for, playing almost as an extra outfield player when his side have possession.
Diant Ramaj ‘not afraid’ of big move
“I don’t let myself be fooled, I just stay calm and (try to) improve details. I’m not too busy with other things. That’s work for my agents,” Ramaj adds.
“I’m not afraid of (a move to a bigger league), because I know what I can do, and I know what others can do too. I just want to do my best here.
“Let’s see what the future brings.”
Man United’s apparent interest may call into question the future of Altay Bayindir. The £4.3 million signing from Fenerbahce has played only once – against Newport County in the FA Cup – and may have concerns about what a lack of action at club level means for his international prospects ahead of Euro 2024.