Erik ten Hag, Ajax's technical director, has revealed in a podcast with Tubantia that Mohamed Ihattaren was not a transfer option for FC Twente this summer. Ten Hag expressed his respect for Ihattaren, stating that he is an exceptionally good footballer. However, the position was already filled at Ajax, and the club later brought in Filip Thorvaldsen, who has a completely different profile.
Ten Hag believes that Ihattaren might have had more success at Ajax if he had not left for Manchester United. Ajax and FC Twente were looking for a completely different profile at the Enschedese club. Daan Rots and Thorvaldsen have successfully filled the right flank at FC Twente. Ten Hag thinks Ihattaren would have been a good candidate if the opportunity had arisen.