Ajax midfielder Kenneth Taylor was at the centre of a transfer tug-of-war last summer, with West Ham United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and FC Porto all showing serious interest. However, a breakdown in relations between the player’s entourage and Ajax officials ultimately stopped the move — and tensions remain high behind the scenes.
According to ESPN NL, both Premier League clubs held talks over signing the 23-year-old Dutch international, who was eager to leave Amsterdam following a turbulent 2024/25 season. Despite Ajax’s earlier promise that he would be allowed to depart in 2025, the club reportedly raised their asking price late in the window, which Taylor’s camp viewed as “unreasonable.”
West Ham were Taylor’s preferred destination
The report claims Taylor was particularly keen on joining West Ham, viewing the London club as a better fit for his playing style and development than Wolves. The midfielder was drawn to the Hammers’ and the opportunity to play under Nuno Espírito Santo, while remaining unconvinced by Wolves’ project at Molineux.
“Wolves showed willingness to pay a high fee to sign him,” ESPN NL explained, “but the player wasn’t keen on moving to Molineux.”
Taylor, a technically gifted central midfielder known for his composure and progressive passing, believed West Ham’s system would suit him better. However, Ajax’s reluctance to sanction a move led to frustration from both the player and his representatives.
Ajax’s broken promise and growing unrest
The situation reportedly stems from a verbal agreement made in 2024, when Ajax assured Taylor he could leave the following summer if a suitable offer arrived. When interest materialised from multiple clubs, the Eredivisie side backtracked — a decision that sparked a confrontation between Taylor and Ajax’s technical director, Alex Kroes.
His entourage, frustrated by the club’s U-turn, accused Ajax of pricing him out of a move, with some within his camp believing the club’s financial demands were designed to block a transfer altogether.
Behind the scenes, tensions spilled onto the training ground. ESPN NL claims that one of Ajax’s assistant coaches questioned Taylor’s motivation during a session, prompting a heated exchange between the pair. Although the midfielder has featured regularly this season, his form has reportedly dipped compared to last term.
| Kenneth Taylor 2025/26 (Ajax) | All Competitions |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 12 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Pass Completion | 89% |
source: ESPN NL – 23 October 2025
Ajax’s decline and missed opportunity
Ajax’s struggles this season — with just four wins in nine league matches and three consecutive Champions League defeats — have only intensified scrutiny on the club’s transfer policy. Many Dutch pundits now believe rejecting fair offers for Taylor was a mistake, as his market value may have dropped due to inconsistent performances and unrest within the squad.
“They could have sold him at his peak value last summer. Now, with the atmosphere at the club and his form dipping, they risk losing him for less,”*FootballPlace*.
Our View
In our view, Ajax’s handling of Kenneth Taylor’s situation reflects the club’s wider instability. After promising to facilitate his move, backtracking late in the window has left both parties frustrated — and the player mentally detached from the project.
For West Ham, Taylor would have been an ideal signing: a technically assured midfielder with European experience and plenty of upside. His preference for London suggests that, if Ajax soften their stance in January, the Hammers could revisit the move.
Analyst Verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William writes:
Kenneth Taylor is a player who needs a new challenge. His technical qualities are clear, but Ajax’s chaotic environment hasn’t helped him progress. From West Ham’s perspective, €25–30 million for a player of his profile would have been smart business. Wolves, despite showing ambition, were never truly his preferred choice.
We believe his future still lies in the Premier League — most likely at West Ham if they return in 2026.
Key Insights
- Kenneth Taylor wanted to join West Ham over Wolves last summer.
- Ajax reportedly broke a 2024 promise to let him leave.
- His entourage clashed with Ajax over “unreasonable” transfer demands.
- Wolves offered more money, but Taylor preferred a move to London.
- Ajax’s poor season has further soured player-club relations.
What’s Next
Ajax face FC Twente this weekend as they attempt to stabilise their domestic campaign. With Taylor’s future unresolved and the January window approaching, expect renewed interest from West Ham — and potentially another standoff between the player’s camp and Ajax’s hierarchy.
👉 Should Ajax have allowed Kenneth Taylor to join West Ham this summer?
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