Ajax Amsterdam Secures Indonesian Goalkeeper Maarten Paes in Long-Term Deal
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Ajax Amsterdam has bolstered its goalkeeping ranks with the signing of Maarten Paes, the goalkeeper for the Indonesian National Team, on a contract extending through June 30, 2029. The move, announced Monday evening, February 2, 2026, brings the 27-year-old to the Dutch giants from MLS side FC Dallas for an undisclosed fee.
A Strategic Acquisition for the Dutch Club
The transfer represents a significant investment in the future of Ajax’s goalkeeping position. According to an official statement from Ajax Amsterdam, the club, FC Dallas, and Paes reached a full agreement for the immediate transfer. This acquisition fills a critical void left by the departure of Remko Pasveer to Heracles Almelo and the loan of Vitezslav Jaros from Liverpool, setting the stage for Paes to potentially become the team’s primary goalkeeper.
Long-Term Monitoring Led to Transfer
Ajax had been closely monitoring Paes’s development for several seasons. A senior club official stated, “We have been monitoring Maarten for several seasons and are delighted that we have now succeeded in bringing him to Ajax. The focus was on an experienced and reliable goalkeeper, and Maarten more than meets this criteria.” The club believes Paes possesses the qualities they were seeking in a new shot-stopper.
Player Profile: Experience and Mentality
Beyond his technical abilities, Paes is lauded for his character and work ethic. The club official further emphasized, “He is also a very hard-working, team player with a high-level sporting mentality who fits perfectly with the type of goalkeeper we are looking for.” This combination of skill and personality makes Paes a valuable addition to the Ajax squad.
Welcome to Ajax, Maarten Paes! 🇮🇩
Familiar Faces Await Paes in Amsterdam
Paes’s arrival at Ajax will reunite him with members of the Indonesian national team coaching staff. Jordi Cruyff, now Ajax’s technical director, and Denny Landzaat, assistant coach to Fred Grim, both have prior connections with the Indonesian national team setup. This existing rapport could facilitate a smoother transition for Paes into his new environment.
The signing of Maarten Paes signals Ajax Amsterdam’s commitment to securing a strong and dependable presence between the posts for years to come, and the club is confident he will quickly become a key component of their success.
