Ajax Agent Labels Porto ‘Unreliable’, Compares to ‘Third World Country’
Ajax’s decision to turn down a transfer involving FC Porto has generated significant conversation among football enthusiasts. This revelation came from Guido Albers, the agent of midfielder Kenneth Taylor, in an interview on Dutch television. Taylor’s journey took an interesting turn when he signed with Italian club Lazio in January for €16.85 million.
Transfer Details and Player Background
Kenneth Taylor, a 23-year-old midfielder, was nearing an exit from Ajax, especially as his contract was set to expire in 2027. Originally, in the summer of 2025, Taylor attracted interest from FC Porto and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
- Transfer Fee to Lazio: €16.85 million
- Previous Contract Expiry: 2027
- Summer 2025 Bids: Over €30 million from Wolverhampton and €22 million from Porto
Ajax’s Stance on FC Porto
During the summer transfer window, Albers revealed that Ajax refused to negotiate with FC Porto. He noted that Ajax viewed Porto unfavorably, labeling them as a “club from a Third World Country.” This perception led Ajax to believe Porto was not a reliable partner for financial transactions.
Interest from Wolverhampton
Wolverhampton was the first club to express serious interest in Taylor, reportedly offering more than €30 million. Albers emphasized that there was strong momentum surrounding the potential deal. The meeting with Wolves’ manager Victor Pereira left a positive impression on Taylor and his agent. However, Taylor ultimately decided he couldn’t commit to a club in which he lacked confidence.
Final Developments
As the transfer window dwindled, FC Porto made a late bid for Taylor, matching Ajax’s requested fee of €22 million. Albers recounted that Francesco Farioli, Porto’s coach, was eager to secure Taylor’s services. However, Ajax’s reluctance to engage in business with Porto led to the transfer falling through just before it could be finalized.
Conclusion
This episode demonstrates the complex dynamics of football transfers and how perceptions can influence decisions. Kenneth Taylor’s future at Ajax shifted, culminating in his eventual transfer to Lazio, while Ajax’s stance on Porto remains a talking point in European football.
