Ajax entered the transfer window looking to sign a creative midfielder, and they have done that by signing Julian Brandt on a free transfer.

Brandt has made a positive start to his time at Ajax, having scored three goals in his first seven games.

Before signing Brandt, Ajax attempted to sign Sven Mijnans from AZ Alkmaar, but the midfielder instead opted to join PSV Eindhoven.

Azzedine Ounahi is another player Ajax looked at signing. The Amsterdammers held talks earlier in the summer over a move for the Moroccan midfielder, and there seemed to be quite a lot of optimism around a potential transfer. However, talks seemed to go quiet after Ajax signed Brandt, but Ajax have been working on a deal to sign Ounahi over the last few weeks, according to reports.

Various reports have claimed that Ounahi had been granted permission to travel to Amsterdam to hold talks with Ajax, but other reports claimed that other clubs in the race for Ounahi could bid more than Ajax.

Despite being seriously interested in Ounahi, Ajax are set to lose the race for the Girona midfielder.

According to Santi Aouna, a verbal agreement is in place between Panathinaikos and Girona for Ounahi.

The 26-year-old midfielder will have the highest salary at the club. 

While Ounahi is obviously an outstanding player who would have improved the squad, Ajax do not need him.

Ajax have quite a few very good options in the positions Ounahi can play. Abdellah Ouazane and Oscar Gloukh are similar to Ounahi in that they can all play as the No. 10 and on the left wing.

Ouazane has looked very bright so far this season and registered against FC Sion in Ajax's 5-3 win against the Swiss club. Ajax need to ensure Ouazane gets sufficient game time this season, and the signing of Ounahi would have probably limited Ouazane's game time. Ounahi can also play as a No. 8; he isn't great defensively and is best when he has freedom to create.

Having agreed deals to sign Simon Adingra and Thilo Kehrer, if Ajax are to sign another player, it should be someone who can play as both a no. 6 and a no. 8.

Youri Regeer has joined Werder Bremen on loan, and the only no. 6 Ajax now have is Sofyan Amrabat, although Jorthy Mokio and Daley Blind can play there if ever needed.

Another option in the No. 8 position would also be useful. Squad depth will be crucial if Ajax want to go far in the Conference League and challenge for the Eredivisie, and an extra midfielder would definitely strengthen Michel Sanchez's squad.