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FC Dallas is reportedly set to transfer goalkeeper Maarten Paes to Ajax, with a potential move to the Dutch giants gaining momentum.
Photo via FC Dallas
Published:
January 27, 2026, 2:13 pm
While goalkeeper Maarten Paes has been busy denying rumors on X in recent weeks about a pending transfer overseas, it appears a new club has emerged as a new frontrunner for his services.
Multiple reports on Tuesday state that FC Dallas as agreed to transfer the keeper to Dutch giants Ajax. Both Fabrizio Romano and Tom Bogert are reporting that a deal is in place for Paes to depart FC Dallas and join Ajax.
🚨🇳🇱 Ajax agree deal to sign Maarten Paes from FC Dallas in MLS, permanent move. Contract until June 2029, medical next as deal has been agreed and done by SEG agent Boy Kuijpers.
— Fabrizio Romano (MIRROR) (@fabrizioromano.yopro20.com) 2026-01-27T19:25:58.151355+00:00
🇮🇩 Sources: Ajax finalizing a deal to sign Indonesia int’l GK Maarten Paes from FC Dallas.
Paes, 27, made 128 apps for Dallas. Returns to Netherlands after being signed from Utrecht.
Has 10 caps for Indonesia after debuting in 2024.
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert.bsky.social) 2026-01-27T19:46:50.657Z
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Quick BDS Take
In a way, I’m not shocked by any of this. I stated back at the end of last year that Paes was expendable for FC Dallas and his ‘value’ was probably as high as it ever was going to be at the time. He lost his starting role to Homegrown keeper Michael Collodi at the end of the year and saw Indonesia miss out on a World Cup spot. The writing felt on the wall, if you will.
Then, I was told midway through the offseason by a couple of sources that the club was hoping to hold on to Paes for the upcoming season and create a roster battle between him and Collodi. The club was also hoping that 2026 could be a big of a rejuvenation to Paes’ career after a pretty down 2025 for him.
While there is no official word on what kind of transfer fee Paes will likely earn the club, I do think it is reasonable to see FC Dallas net somewhere in the $1m range for him from Ajax.
As for Paes, I have to imagine getting the chance to play for a club like Ajax is one that would be too hard to pass up. Ajax will likely earn some Dallas-based fans in this transaction.
Drew Epperley
Owner and Managing Editor of Big D Soccer. I’ve been covering MLS and FC Dallas since 2007.
Part time nut. ⚽ fan. ☕️ & 🍺 drinker.
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