Ajax confirms surprise exit: 19‑year‑old O'Niel heads to Qatar

At 16:18 on a bright Amsterdam afternoon, Ajax announced that 19‑year‑old striker Don O'Niel will depart the club for Al Ahli SC in Qatar, confirming rumors first hinted at on his Instagram page. The club’s statement confirmed the move without revealing a transfer fee. The announcement came with a clear timeline: O'Niel, a product of the Ajax academy since the age of six, has signed a professional contract that runs until the middle of 2027. Ajax’s long‑term investment reflects the player’s development through the club’s youth system. During the 2022‑23 season, O'Niel featured in 37 Keuken Kampioen Divisie matches, netting eight goals and providing six assists. Those statistics underline his proven experience in the Dutch second division.

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O'Niel used his Instagram page to share a personal farewell, writing: “After thirteen years I have decided to leave. I came here as a six‑year‑old boy and now leave as a young man.” He added that the decision was “not an easy choice” but felt right for his development. For Ajax, the transfer means the loss of a forward still under contract for several years, while Al Ahli SC acquire a 19‑year‑old with a record of second‑division performance. The Dutch side will miss a player nurtured through the Ajax academy. In Qatar, O'Niel will join fellow Dutchmen Michel Vlap and William Troost‑Ekong at Al Ahli SC, a setting that could accelerate his growth. The club’s statement omitted any financial details, leaving the fee speculative. Overall, the move highlights Ajax’s willingness to let a home‑grown talent pursue opportunities abroad, while Al Ahli SC strengthens its squad with a young player already seasoned in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie.