Image source: football.london
Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber sent a supportive message to former Ajax teammate Kenneth Taylor after the Dutch midfielder’s transfer to Lazio was confirmed for a fee of £14.4 million, with the childhood friends having played over 100 matches together through Ajax’s academy system.
Timber Sends Instagram Message to Taylor After Ajax Midfielder Joins Lazio
Lazio agreed to pay €16.9 million for Taylor’s services, ending his time at Ajax where he made 19 appearances across all competitions this season. The Serie A club secured the Dutch midfielder as Ajax continue their squad rebuild following another disappointing campaign that sees them sitting third in the Eredivisie table, 16 points behind leaders PSV.
Timber responded to Ajax’s farewell post for Taylor with a two-word Instagram story message reading “Goodluck broski” alongside a red heart emoji. The Arsenal defender and Taylor came through Ajax’s youth academy together before both established themselves in the senior team, with Timber departing for Emirates Stadium in summer 2023 while Taylor remained in the Netherlands.
Ajax Director of Football Marijn Beuker praised Taylor’s contribution in an emotional statement, describing him as “a true Ajacied who progressed from our youth academy to the first team at a young age.” Beuker added that Taylor “has developed into a regular member of the midfield and has made an important contribution to our sporting performances in recent years” before confirming the club granted his wish to take the next step in his career.
Arsenal are reportedly keen to extend Timber’s contract alongside Declan Rice, following recent new deals for Bukayo Saka until 2031 and several other key players including William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes. The Times revealed that contract talks are also planned for Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, David Raya and Mikel Merino, whose current deals expire in summer 2028.
