Youri Baas turns focus back to Ajax after collapsed Porto move

Youri Baas says he is happy to remain at Ajax after his proposed transfer to FC Porto fell through. The 23-year-old returned to the starting line-up against PSV, having appeared as a substitute against Telstar the previous week.

Baas described the period surrounding the failed move as “pretty intense” in comments reported by VI. He declined to discuss the episode in detail, instead stressing his attachment to Ajax and the appreciation he feels from the club’s supporters and squad. His focus, he said, is now on moving forward under new coach Míchel.

The defender was also involved in one of the flashpoints of Ajax’s 3-1 loss. He confronted PSV attacker Van Bommel after a forceful aerial challenge on Baas’s defensive partner, earning himself a yellow card. Baas believed Van Bommel had arrived late and felt the incident deserved a red card, while the referee’s explanation was that the forward had challenged for the ball.

Despite the result, Baas saw encouraging signs in Ajax’s display. He felt his side created several major opportunities but failed to convert enough of them. PSV’s frequent one-against-one approach meant Ajax needed to move the ball forward quickly rather than relying on short combinations, a plan Baas thought worked in spells. He acknowledged that the defeat hurt but argued that Ajax could still take positive elements from the performance at an early stage of the season.