Dillon Hoogewerf has confirmed his move from Ajax’s youth team to Manchester United on his Instagram account.
The 16-year-old was regarded as the next big thing in Ajax’s youth team, following on in the footsteps of the likes of Matthijs De Ligt and Frenkie de Jong.
The winger averaged a goal every 167 minutes for the U-17s this season, with 10 goals and six assists in 18 appearances, but has also already played for Ajax’s U-19 team in the UEFA Youth League.
He is two-footed and despite being small, just 5 foot 4 inches tall, is physically strong. He plays out wide but can feature in any position behind the striker, with his dribbling ability putting him top of the class.
United will have to pay a compensation fee for the young Dutchman who rejected the offer of a professional contract with Ajax and who makes the move to Manchester like compatriots Tahith Chong, Tim Fosu-Mensah and Millen Baars.
Head of Ajax’s youth academy, Said Ouaali, confirmed earlier this year that Hoogewerf would be leaving the club.
“Dillon has indicated last week that he will leave the club,” Oualli told Ajax TV. “He is leaving for a foreign club. We wish him a lot of success and know that we have done everything to keep him. He may ultimately make the choice and choose a foreign adventure.”
Last year he competed in the Marveld Tournament for Ajax, competing against the likes of Barcelona, Atletico and PSV, where he was the top scorer and named player of the tournament with nine goals, a record for the competition.
