---
title: "Ajax plot January pre-contract deal for Patrick van Aanholt"
canonical: "https://readcrystalpalace.com/2020/11/24/ajax-line-up-january-move-patrick-van-aanholt/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "jrushworth"
section: "Crystal Palace News"
published: "2020-11-24T12:00:30Z"
modified: "2020-11-24T12:00:30Z"
---

# Ajax plot January pre-contract deal for Patrick van Aanholt

Ajax are preparing to make a move to sign Crystal Palace defender [Patrick van Aanholt](https://readcrystalpalace.com/2020/11/03/palace-contracts-cahill-sakho-van-aanholt-guaita-mccarthy/)on a [pre-contract agreement](https://www.footballinsider247.com/ajax-keen-on-signing-crystal-palace-ace-van-aanholt/) in January, with the Eagles still aiming to keep hold of him.

Van Aanholt’s current [£55,000-a-week](https://www.spotrac.com/epl/crystal-palace/patrick-van-aanholt-22728/) contract runs out at the end of the campaign, which means he can potentially sign pre-contract agreements with other European clubs during the winter window. The left-back is a key performer for Roy Hodgson’s side when fully fit and the Eagles are still hoping that they can tie him down to a new deal, per [Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/ajax-keen-on-signing-crystal-palace-ace-van-aanholt/).

The 30-year-old remained at Selhurst Park in the summer despite being linked with a move away from Palace and he missed the start of the campaign with a [shoulder injury](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11706/12031860/patrick-van-aanholt-crystal-palace-defender-needs-shoulder-surgery). The Londoners’ chances of keeping hold of him have been hampered by  the stalling of negotiations over a new deal  in recent weeks, per [Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/ajax-keen-on-signing-crystal-palace-ace-van-aanholt/).

Ajax are aiming to take advantage of that uncertainty by securing a deal for him on a pre-contract in January. The Dutch heavyweights are lining up a move for him as a potential replacement for current left-back Nicolas Tagliafico, who could be set to depart the club in the next two transfer windows, per [Football Insider.](https://www.footballinsider247.com/ajax-keen-on-signing-crystal-palace-ace-van-aanholt/)

### **Read Crystal Palace verdict**

Van Aanholt has been an excellent player for the Eagles during his time at Selhurst Park and he remains an integral part of Hodgson’s side, having [started the last three Premier League matches](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/patrick-van-aanholt/leistungsdaten/spieler/52119) since returning from injury. Palace have altered their approach slightly with more of a focus on recruiting younger players, but they could still benefit from the 30-year-old’s experience.

The fact that a Champions League outfit like Ajax are interested shows the quality that the left-back possesses, and losing him on a free transfer would be a major blow for the Eagles. However, they are already eyeing up possible replacements, with Reading’s Omar Richards [of interest](https://www.teamtalk.com/news/exclusive-leicester-lead-newcastle-wolves-reading-duo-liam-moore-omar-richards).

The Dutch defender is not irreplaceable for the Eagles, but they would miss his calm presence in possession, having averaged 81% passing accuracy and 1.1 key passes per game last season for the Eagles ([Sofascore](https://www.sofascore.com/player/patrick-van-aanholt/74577)). It would be interesting to see what they did in terms of looking for a replacement were he to leave the club.