Indonesian national team goalkeeper Maarten Paes has reportedly reached an agreement to join Ajax Amsterdam from FC Dallas. The permanent transfer offers a contract until June 2029, with medical tests scheduled soon. This move marks a significant step in Paes's career in European football.
Maarten Paes Heads to Ajax Amsterdam
Maarten Paes, the 27-year-old Indonesian national team goalkeeper, has agreed to a permanent transfer to Ajax Amsterdam from FC Dallas in Major League Soccer (MLS). The news was shared by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on social media on January 28, 2026. Romano stated, “Ajax have agreed a deal to sign Maarten Paes from FC Dallas in MLS, permanent transfer. Contract until June 2029, medical next after agreement approved and done by SEG agency, Boy Kuijpers.”
Paes is scheduled to fly to the Netherlands on January 28 local time for medical tests, followed by contract signing this week if successful. The deal is for three and a half years until June 2029. Ajax, the Netherlands' most successful club with 36 Eredivisie titles and 20 Dutch Cups, is currently led by interim coach Fred Grim.
This move fits Ajax's long-term plans, as starting goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros returns to Liverpool at season's end, and 42-year-old Remko Pasveer is likely to retire. Paes has been with FC Dallas for three and a half years since early 2022, playing 128 matches with 25 clean sheets.
Previously, Paes played in the Netherlands: starting at NEC Nijmegen in the 2016/2017 season for two years, then FC Utrecht in 2018/2019. He has 10 caps for Indonesia. The transfer opens opportunities for Paes at Europe's top level, despite earlier rumors linking him to Persib Bandung.
