"My agents handle it" – 'New Virgil van Dijk' responds to Newcastle United links

Ajax defender Bouwman, 19, says his agents handle transfer speculation after Newcastle links emerged; he focuses only on Ajax.

Aaron Bouwman has responded to reports linking him to Newcastle United following interest from the Premier League club. The 19-year-old Ajax centre-back, who has made 30 appearances for the Dutch club since breaking into the first team in 2025, told Voetbal International that he does not involve himself in transfer talk.

"I actually never have anything to do with that myself. I just focus on Ajax and my agents handle it, if there is anything," he said.

Ajax manager Míchel has compared Bouwman to Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk and called him the most complete defender at the club. Bouwman acknowledged the praise but remained grounded: "It's not like I'll be thinking 'I am Virgil van Dijk' at the next match. No, I am just Aaron Bouwman and I will remain so. But it is a nice compliment."

Newcastle are expected to pursue centre-back reinforcements next summer, with Fabian Schär and Dan Burn both turning 35 before the end of the season. Bouwman could emerge as a target if he continues to impress for Ajax.