By Akin Yusuf
Ajax have taken the decision to exclude several players from first-team training ahead of the new season, and Sivert Mannsverk is among those affected. The 23-year-old midfielder, who joined the Dutch side from Molde in 2023, arrived as one of the top-rated players in the Norwegian Eliteserien. At the time, he was the subject of interest from multiple clubs, but ultimately chose to continue his development with Ajax, one of Europe鈥檚 most historic teams.
Midfielder no longer in the club鈥檚 plansDespite the high expectations surrounding his arrival, Mannsverk failed to make a significant impact in Amsterdam. His time at Ajax has not gone as planned, and last season he was sent out on loan to Cardiff City, competing in the English Championship. During his time there, he featured in numerous matches and appeared to settle into the squad. However, Cardiff鈥檚 relegation to League One has altered any possibility of a permanent stay in Wales.
Now back in the Netherlands, Mannsverk was expected to rejoin Ajax鈥檚 pre-season preparations. However, according to VG, he is one of seven players who have been asked not to return to first-team training and instead seek new clubs. The decision reportedly stems from the club鈥檚 new manager, who has determined that these players, most of whom spent the previous campaign on loan, do not feature in his plans moving forward.
Players鈥 union criticises Ajax鈥檚 approachThe move has attracted criticism from the Dutch players鈥 union, VVCS. Its president, Evgeniy Levchenko, has strongly objected to how the situation is being handled. As cited by the same report, Levchenko stated, 鈥淭he contract is signed by two parties, player and club, they can鈥檛 just throw them aside like trash.鈥 His comments reflect a growing concern about the treatment of professional players when they are no longer deemed necessary by their clubs.
While Ajax appear focused on restructuring their squad under new leadership, the situation surrounding Mannsverk and the other affected players raises questions about professional conduct and contractual obligations. With the summer transfer window in full swing, the midfielder now faces the challenge of securing a fresh opportunity elsewhere to reignite his career.