Burnley defender Hartman cools on Ajax transfer after January talks

Burnley defender Quilindschy Hartman appeared open to a January move to Ajax, but the deal now looks to have stalled after the player seemingly pulled away from negotiations.

According to Dutch journalist Mike Verweij, speaking via Voetbal Primeur, Hartman had “clearly indicated” he was willing to join Ajax during the winter transfer window. However, that stance may have changed in recent days.

Hartman has impressed since joining Burnley from Feyenoord last summer. The move to the Premier League was viewed as a step up, but the left-back has never hidden that he sees Burnley as a potential springboard to an even bigger club.

That opportunity appeared to arrive quickly. Reports in the Netherlands earlier this week claimed Ajax had already reached a personal agreement with Hartman over a loan move from Burnley, prompting expectations that negotiations would accelerate.

Verweij has now confirmed that Ajax were acting on encouraging feedback from the player.

“I have heard from several sources within Ajax that he clearly indicated that he was open to joining Ajax,” Verweij said.

Despite those positive signals, Hartman now appears to have backed away. Verweij suggests pressure from Feyenoord supporters may have played a role, with the defender’s emotional ties to his former club becoming a complicating factor.

“That may have changed now under pressure from many angry Feyenoord fans,” he explained. “Those are nice sentiments, but it’s essentially irrelevant. A player should simply be able to move from club A to club B.”

Ajax, however, were not expecting the sudden shift.

“Within Ajax, they still thought that negotiations would continue today,” Verweij added. “This was based on the fact that Hartman was open to joining Ajax.”

The timing of the move was also significant for Hartman personally. With the World Cup approaching, regular minutes are a priority, and Ajax could offer greater guarantees of playing time than his current situation at Burnley.

“That also makes sense, because he didn’t play in the last few matches for Burnley and the World Cup is approaching,” Verweij noted. “At Ajax, as an international player, you more or less have a guarantee that you will play every game. Whatever he chooses, it is crucial for him that he chooses a club where he will play regularly.”

For now, Hartman’s future remains unresolved. What appeared to be a clear path toward a January switch has become uncertain, leaving Ajax reassessing their options and Burnley waiting to see whether the defender’s stance changes again.

Much will depend on whether Hartman prioritises emotional loyalty or sporting guarantees as the window edges closer.

Ajax may yet attempt to reopen talks if Hartman reconsiders, but alternative targets could also come into focus. From Burnley’s perspective, clarity is needed quickly, with January fast approaching and uncertainty surrounding one of their key defenders.

Should Hartman prioritise guaranteed minutes at Ajax, or stick with his long-term Premier League plan at Burnley?