Eintracht Frankfurt has identified Ajax Amsterdam defender Youri Baas as a potential target to bolster its defence. The Bundesliga side is actively looking to strengthen at the back confirming earlier speculation about their transfer plans.
The Eagles started the new season with a 3-3 draw and sit eighth in the Bundesliga table with one point from one game. They are two points behind leaders Bayern München. Their next league fixture is a home match against currently fourth-placed FC Augsburg on September 6th. The current league standings are available on our standings page.
Why is Eintracht Frankfurt targeting a defender?
Strengthening the defence is the absolute top priority for Eintracht Frankfurt in this transfer window. After a high-scoring but leaky start to the campaign, the club seeks more stability at the back. The manager and sporting director are specifically looking for a player who can reinforce the back line and provide greater security. The search is focused on a young, promising defender who can be integrated into the squad for the long term.
Youri Baas, a 23-year-old left-footed centre-back under contract at Ajax, fits this profile precisely. He has Bundesliga experience and is considered technically sound. Christopher Michel, reporting on the situation, stated: "Eintracht Frankfurt holds an interest in Baas." It is not yet known if concrete negotiations or an official offer have taken place. Frankfurt is pursuing several options in parallel.
What is the situation at Ajax Amsterdam?
A sale of Baas could make sense for Ajax themselves. The club has already seen several defensive departures in recent weeks, including Josip Sutalo, Ko Itakura, and Ahmetcan Kaplan. Currently, Ajax has only one right-footed centre-back in Aaron Bouwman. On the left side, however, they have three options: Daley Blind, Dies Janse, and Youri Baas.
Ajax views Dies Janse as having more long-term potential than Baas. Janse enjoyed a successful loan spell at FC Groningen last season and is being courted by Club Brugge. The Amsterdam club is adamant about not letting Janse go. Selling Baas would restore balance to the central defence, creating room for the urgently needed signing of an experienced right-footer. Eintracht Frankfurt's current squad can be viewed on our squad page.
What would a deal look like financially?
A significant transfer fee would likely be required for Youri Baas, who remains under contract at Ajax. These funds would be very welcome for Ajax, as the club itself has pressing transfer needs. A new left winger and a defensive midfielder are high on their wish list.
Specifically, Ajax wants to sign Noa Lang, who is currently considered too expensive. Interest in Azzedine Ounahi has cooled after initial talks, partly because other clubs can offer more financially. The proceeds from a potential Baas sale could give Ajax the necessary budget to become active again for one of these targets or to explore other options. For Eintracht Frankfurt, Baas would represent an investment in the future of a defence that has already shown vulnerability, as seen in the stats.
The transfer window remains open, and Eintracht Frankfurt will continue its work to reinforce the backline. The Eagles' next Bundesliga match is at home on September 6th.
