Vitezslav Jaros has officially joined Ajax on a season-long loan after putting pen to paper on a new long-term contract with Liverpool.
The 23-year-old keeper will be working under former Reds assistant John Heitinga, now head coach of the Dutch side. He’s expected to take over as Ajax’s number one this season, with veteran Remko Pasveer stepping into a backup role.
Jaros, who arrived at Liverpool from Slavia Prague back in 2017, made his senior debut last October, coming on for Alisson in the closing stages of the 1-0 win away to Crystal Palace. He followed that up with his first start later that month in the League Cup win over Brighton.
He also helped the Reds lift the FA Youth Cup in 2019 and now heads out for his fifth loan spell. Previous stints have seen him win the Irish Cup with St Patrick’s Athletic and a league-and-cup double in Austria with Sturm Graz.
Speaking to Ajax’s club media, Jaros said Heitinga played a key role in his decision to move:
“He is a nice man. From preseason to the end of the season, he was always kind and helpful. We had a good relationship. He called me, and you know what to expect from someone you know.
Ajax is the most successful club in the Netherlands thanks to its academy and the talent they produce. They’re world-famous for that — and for their success in Europe.”
Ajax likes to do things the Ajax way. That’s how I like to play, too. At Liverpool, we tried to play a similar way last season. I’m good with my feet.”
The Czech international has a clear goal in mind for his year in Amsterdam:
“I want to play every match and become a champion. That’s what everyone at Ajax wants — and that’s what I want too.”
Back at Liverpool, there’s a full reshuffle happening behind first-choice Alisson Becker.
Caoimhin Kelleher has completed an £18m move to Brentford, while Giorgi Mamardashvili is finally arriving from Valencia after a £30m deal agreed last year. The Reds have also signed 21-year-old Hungary U21 international Armin Pecsi from Puskas Akademia for £1.5m.
Ajax technical director Alex Kroes is buzzing with the signing:
“Despite his young age, he has experience and played a full role as Liverpool’s number two last season. He’s athletic, calm, and suits our style. He’s a quality boost for the squad.”
Jaros will return to Liverpool next summer, but for now, he’s heading into a big season as Ajax’s first-choice keeper.
