Riechedly Bazoer Snub A Secret Blessing?

This is a guest post in collaboration with Erik Hutchison.

After weeks of quite audible whispers, speculation of a potential summer move for Ajax youngster Riechedly Bazoer came to an abrupt end earlier this week as the 19-year-old officially ruled himself out of a potential switch to England in favour of staying in Amsterdam.

On the face of things, it might seem like a missed opportunity for Pep Guardiola; the incoming manager will be keen to invest in young talent this summer as he looks to assemble a side capable of long-term dominance as well as immediate success, and Bazoer would certainly fit the bill. In truth, though, missing out on the upcoming midfielder could be a blessing in disguise. After all, there’s nothing to say he won’t sign at a later date.

Bazoer’s decision to stay in Ajax is an admission that he isn’t ready for Premier League football, particularly at a club destined to challenge for the title in 2016/17. There’s no doubt that the young Dutchman could become one of Europe’s best in future years, but the Eredivisie has to be a better place to develop than the U21s league.

It’s not only the player that can benefit from holding off. For starters, it gives the City scouts another year to fully assess the midfielder to see whether he could make the grade needed to compete in England and in the Champions League latter stages.

Dutch experts onlinewedden.com firmly believe that Guardiola would still be first in line to complete a deal in 12 months time while only a handful of European clubs could seriously challenge the club for Bazoer’s long-term services. This may allow Ajax to get another year out of their prized asset, but his price is unlikely to increase by any major increment due to the fact he is already rated in excess of £20m.

In truth, that price tag is the main reason that delaying the deal is beneficial for our club too. Financial Fair Play means that spending such a hefty price tag on a reserve team player would be suicide, particularly as the incoming manager will be tasked with the challenge of rebuilding the squad immediately. It’s abundantly clear that the current generation is at the end of its cycle and major investment will be needed. The timing just wouldn’t be right for Bazoer.

Had Bazoer declared a desire to leave this summer, it may have forced Guardiola’s hand. As it stands, his decision to remain at the Dutch capital gives Pep a chance to focus on regaining City’s status as England’s top club with a view to possibly sign the Dutch midfielder next year. Come the summer of 2017, we will either save £20m or gain a player that’s better prepared for the rough and tumble of life in the Premier League. Either way, that has to be better than rushing the capture now.