Jay Gorter Completes Move to Pafos FC: Ajax Secures Sell-On Clause
Date: 2025-07-23
In a significant transfer development, Jay Gorter is set to leave Ajax and join Pafos FC in Cyprus. The deal, which has been finalized, includes a sell-on clause for Ajax, ensuring potential future earnings from the goalkeeper’s career. The 25-year-old Dutch shot-stopper is scheduled to undergo his medical today before signing a three-year contract with the Cypriot champions .
Transfer Details: Free Move with Future Benefits for Ajax
Gorter, who joined Ajax in 2021 from Go Ahead Eagles for €1 million, has been deemed surplus to requirements under new manager John Heitinga. Despite having a contract until 2026, Ajax allowed him to leave on a free transfer but negotiated a 20% sell-on clause, meaning they could profit if Pafos sells him in the future .
- Medical & Signing: Scheduled for July 23, 2025 .
- Contract Length: Three years with Pafos FC .
- Ajax’s Future Stake: 20% sell-on clause, valued at €2 million .
Why Did Ajax Let Gorter Leave?
Ajax’s goalkeeping department is undergoing a revamp, with:
- Vitezslav Jaros (on loan from Liverpool) as the new first-choice keeper.
- Joeri Heerkens (nearing a move from Sparta Prague) as backup.
- Veteran Remko Pasveer providing experience .
Gorter, who made 16 appearances for Ajax, struggled for consistent game time, prompting his move for regular first-team football .
What’s Next for Gorter at Pafos?
Pafos FC, the reigning Cypriot champions, are preparing for their Champions League qualifiers (though Gorter won’t be eligible for the next round). This move offers Gorter a fresh challenge in a competitive league, where he can establish himself as a key player .
Key Takeaways from the Transfer
✅ Ajax’s Smart Business: No upfront fee, but a sell-on clause ensures future gains.
✅ Gorter’s Opportunity: A chance to reignite his career as a starting goalkeeper.
✅ Pafos’ Ambition: Strengthening their squad with a talented, young keeper.
This transfer marks a new chapter for Jay Gorter, who will look to prove his worth in Cyprus while Ajax retains a financial stake in his future success.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story!
Sources: Yahoo Sports | OneFootball | TransferFeed | Tribuna | Voetbal International
Jay Gorter: A Brief Background
Jay Gorter (born 30 May 2000 in Amsterdam, Netherlands) is a Dutch professional goalkeeper known for his height (1.90m / 6'3") and right-footed playing style. He began his youth career at FC Purmerend before joining Ajax’s academy (2010–2014). After stints at AFC Amsterdam and AZ Alkmaar, he moved to Go Ahead Eagles, where he made his senior debut in 2019.
Gorter rose to prominence in the 2020–21 season, keeping 25 clean sheets in the Dutch second division (an Eerste Divisie record) and helping Go Ahead Eagles secure promotion to the Eredivisie. His performances earned him a €1 million transfer to Ajax in 2021.
At Ajax, Gorter primarily served as a backup goalkeeper, making 16 first-team appearances across all competitions. He also had a loan spell at Aberdeen in 2023.
In July 2025, Gorter joined Pafos FC in Cyprus on a free transfer, with Ajax retaining a sell-on clause. Known for his consistency but criticized for occasional errors (notably in Ajax’s 5-3 Johan Cruyff Shield loss in 2022), he now seeks a fresh start in Cypriot football.
Current Status (2025):
- Club: Pafos FC (Cyprus)
- Age: 25
- Market Value: ~€0.9M
Gorter’s career highlights include youth international caps for the Netherlands U21s and a record-breaking season in the Eerste Divisie. His move to Pafos marks a new chapter in his career after limited opportunities at Ajax.
Sources: [Wikipedia] | [TransferFeed] | [OneFootball] | [AiScore]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why did Jay Gorter leave Ajax?
Ajax allowed Gorter to leave due to limited playing time after signing new goalkeepers like Vitezslav Jaros (Liverpool loan) and Joeri Heerkens (Sparta Prague).
2. What is Ajax’s sell-on clause in Gorter’s transfer?
Ajax secured a 20% sell-on clause, meaning they’ll earn 20% of any future transfer fee if Pafos sells Gorter.
3. How did Gorter perform at Ajax?
He made 16 appearances, showing promise but struggled with consistency, notably in Ajax’s 5-3 loss to PSV (2022 Johan Cruyff Shield).
4. Will Gorter play in the Champions League with Pafos?
No, he won’t be eligible for Pafos’ upcoming Champions League qualifiers due to registration rules.
5. What is Gorter’s market value?
As of 2025, his estimated market value is €0.9 million (Transfermarkt).
6. Has Gorter played for the Netherlands national team?
No, but he has U21 caps and was part of the Netherlands youth setup.
7. What are Gorter’s strengths?
- Shot-stopping ability
- Aerial presence (1.90m tall)
- Experience in Dutch top flight
8. What was Gorter’s best career season?
2020–21 with Go Ahead Eagles: 25 clean sheets (Eerste Divisie record) and promotion to Eredivisie.
Sources: [Transfermarkt] | [ESPN] | [Ajax Showtime] | [UEFA]