Ajax Secures Maarten Paes from FC Dallas in Major Transfer Coup

Ajax Amsterdam has finalized a deal to sign Indonesian international goalkeeper Maarten Paes from MLS side FC Dallas on a permanent transfer. The 27-year-old shot-stopper has agreed to a contract that will keep him at the Johan Cruijff ArenA until June 2029, with the move set to be completed following a successful medical examination.

Renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano broke the news, confirming the agreement was orchestrated by Paes' agent Boy Kuijpers from SEG. Paes, born in the Netherlands, returns to his home country after a successful stint in Major League Soccer, where he made over 120 appearances for FC Dallas since joining permanently in 2022 from FC Utrecht.

The Dutch-Indonesian keeper, who has earned caps for Indonesia's national team since debuting in 2024, brings strong sweeping abilities, distribution skills, and experience from high-pressure MLS matches. His arrival bolsters Ajax's goalkeeping options amid recent defensive inconsistencies in the Eredivisie and European competitions.Paes is expected to initially serve as competition or backup, with the club likely eyeing further reinforcements in the summer. The transfer highlights Ajax's strategy to blend experienced talent with long-term potential under current management.

Indonesian fans celebrated the milestone for their Timnas star, though some expressed lighthearted disappointment after earlier rumors linked him to local club Persib Bandung. This move marks a significant step in Paes' career, bridging MLS success back to one of Europe's historic clubs.