Setford recounts his move from Ajax to Arsenal

Tommy Setford became the first player Arsenal signed in the summer on July 21, 2024. Despite how young he is, Setford joined the Gunners already having an exceptional reputation, having played for Ajax’s youth teams and represented England at several junior levels.

However, Setford’s move to Arsenal signalled a new chapter in his life, as it was the first time he had ever lived in England. Reminiscing about growing up in the Netherlands, Setford said; “I grew up in a neighbourhood called Bennebroek, about 15 minutes from Haarlem and half an hour from Amsterdam. I first got into football because of my older brother, Charlie. He was really into it and, like most younger siblings, I just copied what he was doing. That’s how my football journey began.”

Charlie’s admiration for Dutch goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg inspired Tommy to become a keeper too.  

“Naturally, since my brother wanted to be like Stekelenburg, I wanted to follow in his footsteps too,” Setford explained.

Despite playing briefly on the outfield, Setford always knew that goalkeeping was his true calling. 

“When I started playing when I was about five or six, I tried playing outfield, but I always ended up in goal because we’d do penalties at the end of every session, and I was good at saving them.”

Setford started his career at local club SV BSM, but Ajax recognized how talented he is; “My brother and I went to a talent showcase day, and Ajax scouted both of us,” Setford recalled. “They wanted Charlie, and while they showed interest in me as well, I was too young. When I turned seven, I was old enough, and I joined Ajax – the biggest club in Holland, which was incredible.”

After over a decade at Ajax, Setford’s move to Arsenal was fast; “It came about around three to four months ago. I was told Arsenal were interested and, soon after, one of the scouts flew to Amsterdam to meet me. We talked for about two hours about the club and their plans for me.”

He made his decision after visiting Arsenal’s training ground and meeting the academy’s goalkeeping coaches. “From that moment, I had a really good feeling. I knew in my heart that Arsenal was the right move for me. I wanted to take the next step in my career, and I believed Arsenal would be the perfect place for me to develop further.”