Ajax-watcher Mike Verweij has explained the financial side of Mika Godts' transfer to Paris Saint-Germain.
Mika Godts is set to depart Ajax, with Paris Saint-Germain now having agreed a deal to sign the Belgian winger.
Talks between the two clubs were ongoing for many weeks, with super agent Jorge Mendes negotiating on Ajax's behalf. PSG made an opening offer of €45 million, but that was swiftly rejected by Ajax, as they wanted to get a fee of €60 million, potentially more.
In the end, a compromise was found. The Parisians will pay the Amsterdammers a total package of €55 million for Godts, who will sign a long-term contract in the French capital.
Godts has reportedly already arrived in Paris to complete his move to the European champions and will not play on Sunday in Ajax's Eredivisie encounter against SC Heerenveen in Amsterdam.
He did not play a single minute in Thursday's game against Shelbourne FC, which was already a sign that a move away from Amsterdam was imminent.
Verweij explains the financial side of the transfer
Speaking on De Telegraaf's Kick-Off podcast, Ajax reporter Mike Verweij has explained the details of Godts' transfer to Paris.
"Initially, €60-65 million is mentioned, but at some point, things start to shift," Verweij explains.
"Godts was signed from Genk for €1 million. That does include a sell-on clause, and the agent and player share in it.
"You also have to deal with a Supervisory Board, which exercises oversight. At a certain point, you can't let an amount like that slip away," Verweij says.
"If they eventually end up at 55, 56, or 57 million euros... a substantial amount still needs to be deducted from that for agent Jorge Mendes, however, so a slightly lower figure will likely be communicated in the end.
"You can't let amounts of 55 million euros slip away as Ajax ."
Ajax need to reinvest money quickly
One thing that was very clear on Thursday night when Ajax played Shelbourne FC is that the squad needs more depth. The drop-off from the best eleven to the bench is too big.
Ajax will likely go far in the UEFA Conference League and will therefore likely play multiple games per week throughout the entire season. Michel Sanchez will need to rotate regularly. With the current squad, it will be very hard for Ajax to win both the Eredivisie and Conference League. Before the window closes, Ajax need to ensure that they have two quality players in almost every position.
Now that Godts is set to depart, it is expected Ajax will start to make progress on more incomings, although they reportedly want to sell a few more players too, in order to lower the wage bill.
A defensive midfielder should be a top priority, and Ajax really need to ensure they get a quality player in that position, not just a stop-gap signing. The flanks are also a worry. With Godts' departure, Ajax lack a quality winger. They therefore need to sign two, one to replace Godts on the left and also a right winger. Steven Berghuis is not the profile of winger Michel wants, and Maher Carrizo is not ready to start games regularly.
