Different Paths for Indonesian National Team Players Maarten Paes and Ivar Jenner in the Transfer Market

The winter transfer window presents two contrasting stories for Indonesian National Team Players in Europe. Maarten Paes steps onto a bigger stage with Ajax Amsterdam, while Ivar Jenner chooses to end his chapter at FC Utrecht in pursuit of more realistic playing time.

Maarten Paes Officially Joins Ajax Amsterdam

Ajax Amsterdam has officially signed Maarten Paes from Major League Soccer club FC Dallas during the winter transfer window. 

Although still under contract with Dallas until the end of the year, Ajax opted to acquire the Indonesian National Team goalkeeper on a permanent transfer.

Paes has signed a 3.5-season contract running until June 30, 2029, and will wear the number 26 shirt. For Ajax, this was not a sudden decision, but rather the result of long-term scouting.

Ajax's Director of Football, Marijn Beuker, emphasized the reason behind the club's choice of Paes.

"The focus was on an experienced and reliable goalkeeper, and Maarten more than meets those criteria," he said.

Beuker also highlighted Paes's work ethic, which he judged aligns with the Ajax DNA.

"He is also very diligent in training, a team player with a high sporting mentality that perfectly fits the type of goalkeeper we are looking for," he stated. 

With their existing goalkeeper roster, Ajax feels the team's foundation is increasingly solid.

During his 3.5 years with FC Dallas, Paes played in 128 matches, recording 25 clean sheets from a total of 11,532 minutes played. 

Since choosing to represent the Indonesian National Team in 2024, the 27-year-old goalkeeper has collected 10 caps with the Garuda Squad.

The move to Ajax represents a significant leap, from MLS to a club with Champions League history. This solidifies Paes's position as one of the most stable assets in the Indonesian National Team.

Ivar Jenner and the Decision to Seek a New Beginning

While Paes moves to the elite level, Ivar Jenner has parted ways with FC Utrecht. The club officially announced the departure of the Indonesian National Team midfielder, despite his contract still being valid until the end of the season. This decision was made by mutual agreement. 

"He is a club member who wants to play every week, especially given his age. We worked together to find a solution, and ultimately decided to terminate Ivar's contract," said FC Utrecht's Technical Manager and Head of Talent Scouting, Jeffrey Kooistra.

Kooistra appreciated Jenner's professional attitude during his time at the club. According to him, Ivar is a role model professional. 

Now a free agent, Jenner has complete freedom to determine the next step in his career.

From Ajax Junior to a Career Crossroads

Interestingly, Jenner actually began his youth career at Ajax Amsterdam, before moving to the FC Utrecht academy at age 15. His performance steadily rose until he strengthened Jong Utrecht (U-21) in the 2024/25 season.

This season, the 22-year-old central midfielder has played 14 matches in the Dutch second tier, the Dutch League, accumulating 577 minutes of play and scoring one goal. 

With the senior Indonesian National Team, Jenner has made 18 appearances, contributing one assist in 1,130 minutes played.

The departure from Utrecht could be a turning point for Ivar to find a club capable of giving him a more central role during his prime years.