Ajax are looking to sign multiple players in the final weeks of the transfer window, but face a major stumbling block.
Ajax have been very active so far in the summer transfer window, and the final weeks are also expected to be very busy for the Amsterdammers.
Having now let go of multiple players, Ajax are now looking to further bolster Michel Sanchez's squad before the transfer window closes.
One of the main priorities is to replace Mika Godts. Ajax had identified Noa Lang as their top target, but reports in Italy claim Ajax have withdrawn from the race for the winger, with Atalanta now his most likely destination.
A new defensive midfielder is also a top priority. Edson Álvarez had been identified as a top target, but the former Ajax midfielder is now expected to join La Liga club Real Sociedad.
A new right winger is also on Ajax's agenda, as Steven Berghuis is reportedly not the profile of player Michel wants in that position. Maher Carrizo also does not look ready to start games regularly.
Ajax are also looking at a new centre-back. Ko Itakura has returned to Borussia Mönchengladbach, while Ahmetcan Kaplan has joined NEC Nijmegen on a permanent transfer, having spent the 2025/26 season on loan at the Goffertstadion. Josip Sutalo is now also expected to join Serie A club Lazio on loan for the season, with the club from the Italian capital also having the option to make the deal permanent next summer.
Ajax hit stumbling block
Despite having their priorities in order, Ajax have hit a major stumbling block as they look to further strengthen their squad.
According to Mike Verweij on the Kick-Off Podcast, players are currently reluctant to move to Ajax.
"Ajax now has to sign four players in a week and a half," Verweij explained.
"What Ajax is running up against is that players say: we want to wait until a club from a bigger league that plays in the Champions League comes along.
"Only if that doesn't happen will they be open to choosing Ajax or PSV."
Verweij also talked about the situation with Leon Bailey as well as Noa Lang, after Italian reports claimed Ajax had withdrawn from the race for the Dutch winger.
“Ajax is exploring a wide range of options because players are not very keen to come to Ajax right now, as they are hoping for a better league than the Conference League," Verweij said.
"Bailey has been offered. I don't think he has been ruled out outright.
"Noa Lang? If Ajax has to pay €20-25 million, that is not an option,” Verweij concluded.
Ajax need players who want to be at the club
While signing players of a certain quality is obviously very important, Ajax need to focus on players who choose Ajax without hesitation.
If a player has told Ajax that he wants to wait for a bigger club, Jordi Cruijff should end any talks at that point. Signing players who aren't keen on joining often does not end well.
Michel must create a certain culture at the club, and signing players who would rather be elsewhere is not going to benefit the culture of the club in any way.
