Trabzonspor makes official bid for surplus Ajax defender Ahmetcan Kaplan

In the quiet of Garderen, a familiar face is missing. Ahmetcan Kaplan, the Turkish defender on loan from Ajax to NEC last season, is not among the players at the training camp. The absence comes as Trabzonspor has submitted an official bid for the defender, Trabzonspor’s offer has been lodged, though the exact financial terms remain undisclosed. Reports suggest Ajax is seeking around six million euros for the Turkish international. The Amsterdam club acquired Kaplan in the summer of 2022 for 9.5 million euros from Trabzonspor, where he made 18 appearances.

His time at Ajax has been inconsistent. Across two seasons, he has managed just 25 appearances for the first team. Last season, he was loaned to NEC, where he featured 30 times, providing a more regular route back into contention.

Kaplan’s absence in Garderen is not the only notable gap. Kasper Dolberg is also missing, reportedly due to minor complaints. The Danish striker is reportedly a target for Midtjylland, adding another layer of uncertainty around the Dutch squad.

Earlier reports had indicated Ajax’s interest in Batista Mendy, a 26-year-old defensive midfielder who spent last season on loan at Sevilla. Mendy, however, remains under contract with Trabzonspor until mid-2027.

The bid from Trabzonspor signals a potential return for Kaplan to Turkey, though the financial details and Ajax’s response remain unclear.