Ajax have completed the signing of Yves Bissouma on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract at Tottenham Hotspur in the summer. The Malian midfielder has signed a contract at the Johan Cruijff ArenA until June 2027.

With Ajax looking to challenge for the Eredivisie title, Jordi Cruijff brought 11 new players to Ajax in the summer in an attempt to close the gap on PSV Eindhoven, who finished 28 points ahead last season. Bissouma is therefore the 12th new arrival since Michel Sanchez became Ajax head coach in the summer.

A new defensive midfielder was a top priority for Ajax heading into the summer transfer window. The Amsterdam club held talks over a deal to bring Edson Alvarez back to the club, but the Mexican midfielder ended up staying at West Ham United.

Ajax eventually signed Sofyan Amrabat in the final days of the transfer window on a free transfer following the termination of his contract at Fenerbahçe.

Despite the arrival of Amrabat, Ajax remained in the market on deadline day for a new midfielder. Ajax lacked depth in that position following Youri Regeer's departure to Werder Bremen on loan, but nothing materialised on deadline day regarding a potential arrival in that position.

Ajax had shown an interest in Bissouma during the summer and decided to pursue a deal following the closing of the transfer window.

Jordi Cruijff has explained the signing of Bisoumma in an official club statement from Ajax confirming the transfer. 

"Discussions with Yves began in August, and we are pleased that he has now signed here,” Cruijff explained.

“In him, we have brought in an experienced player who knows what it takes to compete at the highest level.

“He is capable of playing in multiple positions, and we hope he will be eligible to play as soon as possible."

Cruijff was very creative in the transfer market this summer, and Bissouma's arrival is another example of that. Ajax have signed a number of quality players while also significantly reducing the risks involved in deals.

Cruijff has done this primarily by focusing on the loan and free agent market. From Ajax's 12 first-team signings, transfer fees were only paid for three of them: Marcos Leonardo, Caio Henrique and Viktor Tsygankov.

Ajax signed Daley Blind, Julian Brandt, Sofyan Amrabat and now Bissouma, all on free transfers. All four of those players add significant experience and quality to Michel Sanchez's squad. Ajax also signed Jofre Torrents from Barcelona. While the young Spanish left-back was not a free agent, Ajax signed him without paying a fixed initial transfer fee. Ajax may, however, pay up to a few million euros if certain bonuses are achieved.

The other four signings Ajax made were on loan. The deals for Marc ter Stegen and Thilo Kehrer do not include a buy option, but the Amsterdammers do have the option to buy both Tolu Arokodare and Simon Adingra next summer, should they so wish.

Ajax's approach in the market has led to the addition of outstanding quality, while also being cost-effective and low-risk.