Emblazoned with the number 5 on his jersey, Owen Wijndal has made his name as a formidable defender, primarily operating as a left back for Ajax. Born on 28 November 1999 in the Netherlands, the 24-year-old stands at 5ft 8in (1.75m) and carries a solid weight of 10st 9lb (68kg).
Joining AZ in the Eredivisie in July 2016 as a trainee, Wijndal's career gradually ascended. His debut season in 2016-2017 only saw him make a singular first-team appearance, but perseverance and hard work paid off. Over the course of his time at AZ, Wijndal's appearances increased, climbing from seven in season 2017-2018 and eight in 2018-2019, to 24 in 2019-2020 where he thrashed his first goal into the net. By the 2020-2021 season, he made a substantial 34 appearances with one goal to his credit, with another 31 appearances and single goal-scoring achievement recorded for the 2021-2022 season at AZ.
In a notable career transition in July 2022, Wijndal swapped club allegiances from AZ to Ajax, marking his shift with a transfer fee of around £9m. Despite a somewhat rocky start with a modest 20 first team appearances in the 2022-2023 season at Ajax, his determination remained undeterred. However, the following 2023-2024 season saw a decline in his pitch presence, with Wijndal only making two first-team appearances. As of the current season, 2024-2025, he has made a singular appearance for Ajax.
Adding a twist to his trajectory, in September 2023, the Dutch defender briefly crossed horizons from Ajax to Royal Antwerp in the Belgian Pro League, marking this period with a loan transfer. Here, in the 2023-2024 season, he made a noteworthy 20 appearances and scored one goal. Nevertheless, following the completion of his loan in June 2024, Wijndal returned to the turf of Ajax in the Netherlands.
Beyond his club commitment, Wijndal made a mark in the Europa League 2024 - 2025, proudly representing Ajax with a solitary appearance as a substitute. While he may not be a Celtic alumni, his progress signals an upward trajectory for this promising Dutch defender.
