“A true Ajax player” – De Boer reveals agent attempt to pitch Arsenal youngster

Ajax academy coach Ronald de Boer has revealed Arsenal’s Max Dowman was pitched to the Eredivisie side. 

The 16-year-old has been part of the Gunners’ academy, since joining them in 2015. He made his way into Arsenal U18s during the 2023/24 season and showcased his qualities. The attacking midfielder managed 20 goals and 10 assists from 25 matches.

Earlier this year, Dowman climbed to Arsenal U19s and Arsenal U21s, scoring five goals from six matches in the UEFA Youth Cup. He has two goals from four Premier League 2 games.

Mikel Arteta handed the young star his first team debut against Leeds United in August 2025. At that time, he became the second youngest player, behind Ethan Nwanerim, to make the league debut, at 15 years and 235 days.

On October 29th, Arteta started him in the EFL Cup win over Brighton & Hove Albion and Dowman became the youngster ever to start in the competition.

A few weeks later, he achieved another feat in the Champions League at 15 years and 308 days. He became the youngster to feature in the competition by coming off the bench against Slavia Prague in November.

At the weekend, the England U19 international scored in the 97th minute, in the Gunners’ 2-0 win over Everton. He is now the youngest Premier League scorer.

In October 2024, Arsenal academy coach Gustavo Oliveira backed him to be the club’s next superstar. The trajectory so far shows he’s on the right track to becoming one.

Arsenal youngster recommended to Ajax

Max Dowman’s goal got media attention across Europe, including in the Netherlands. De Boer appeared on Ziggo Sport, and Ajax1.nl have relayed his comments.

When discussing the new Arsenal attacker, he revealed an agent advised him to sign the Arsenal youngster for the Dutch club.

“The funny thing is, a year and a half ago, an agent sent me a video about this player. ‘Ronald, you have to watch this. He is such a great player and really something for Ajax. A true Ajax player,” he said.

He then made a recommendation to the Ajax scouting department.

“They said: ‘We are already working on that, but he is almost impossible to get.’ He was already so good back then,” De Boer explained.

Teenager’s contract, value and agent info

The likelihood is that it was an unconnected agent trying his luck with Ajax.

Max Dowman is represented by the family, and both his father and brother have now obtained Fifa licenses to manage his career. There’s been no suggestion of a potential Gunners exit.

Arsenal have secured a pre-contract agreement with Dowman, which will come into effect when he turns 17 years of age on December 31st.

Transfermarkt now value him at €20m. His true value, however, is likely to be much higher.