Jan Bednarek reportedly denied a Champions League offer from Ajax to eventually join Europa League participants Porto, making the Saints fans scratch their heads over this decision.
Recently, Saints fans got to know of Jan Bednarek's transfer bombshell, but more than the rapid deal finalisation, his next destination has been a bigger discussion point for them. And for all the valid reasons, given on the verge of 30s, this move might have been his last opportunity to quest for a missing European trophy in his cabinet.
No doubt, with Porto competing in the Europa League, Bednarek has kept his dream alive, but it seems like, in a quick decision of picking the Liga Portugal club, Bednarek just fluffed away an even better opportunity.
Jan Bednarek chooses Porto over a Champions League chance
That's because, as per reports, Jan Bednarek rushed past a Champions League club in Ajax, in a hasty decision to choose Porto.
Recently, journalist Tomasz Włodarczyk confirmed how, even not just one, but Bednarek had two options tabled while he agreed to a Porto switch. In his words: "Porto paid Southampton the release clause in the Pole's contract (7.5 million euros). Bednarek also had offers from Ajax Amsterdam and a club from the Saudi Pro League."
Well, hardly any Saints fan would deny how Ajax's move should've come as the lucrative one for Bednarek, but the fact that even apart from it, an Eredivisie switch could've been a no-brainer intrigues them.
That's for Ajax's recent transfer business that had an easy pathway paved for Bednarek to join in as a lead figure. With the club's regular centre-back starter, Jorrel Hato, tipped for a Chelsea move, and considering Ajax's ex-Captain, Henderson's English return to Brentford, Bednarek had a Captaincy opportunity waiting for him.
Additionally, with an ex-teammate, Dusan Tadic, considered a hero-figure role model at the club, Jan Bednarek could've anticipated bringing back glory at Ajax the way Tadic did.
That's why, in hindsight, Bednarek's Porto decision sparks more controversy than offering optimism. Still, let's hope the ex-Saints Captain proves us all wrong by securing his first league title at Porto next season.