After a disappointing 2025/26 season, Ajax are expected to mount a serious challenge for the Eredivisie title this season. 

The signings of Julian Brandt and Marc ter Stegen signal real ambition from Jordi Cruijff.  Marcos Leonardo has had a difficult start to life in Amsterdam, but has immense potential and will likely become one of Ajax's best players when he finds his stride.

Daley Blind adds experience, as well as quality, obviously. Caio Henrique could also become a player of significant value, while Tolu Arokodare will likely win Ajax many points late on in games this season.

Ajax are far from done in this window, too. Mika Godts' departure would not be ideal, but his departure does not necessarily have to weaken Ajax. The money earned from his transfer, if invested properly, could actually make Ajax a stronger team overall.

It is expected that the club will sign 19-year-old left-back Jofre Torrents from Barcelona, while the club are working on a deal to sign Edson Álvarez for the No. 6 position. A new right-back could also be signed if Anton Gaaei leaves, and the club have also identified Noa Lang as a top target to replace Godts if he does indeed depart.

The signing of Brandt was a big surprise. It had been widely reported that Ajax had made an offer to Brandt, but it seemed his preference was a move to Leeds United in the Premier League. Despite that, Brandt chose Ajax, explaining that he had very good conversations with Jordi Cruijff and Michel Sanchez.

In an interview with Voetbal International, Brandt spoke on Ajax's ambitions this summer and the possibility of winning the Eredivisie.

"We will have to work hard for that, because we won't get it handed to us on a silver platter by anyone. I know that better than anyone, because I know the PSV coach very well," Brandt said.

"I played under Peter Bosz at Bayer Leverkusen, and I really appreciate him enormously; I love his style," Brandt explained.

"Since then, we have been in contact every year, even when Peter was in Lyon, for example. He is a very good person, but also a demanding coach who wants to win the championship with PSV for the fourth time in a row. We face each other in early September; that will be great.

"Peter has worked here in Amsterdam too, of course, and he has also worked with Jordi, so it is a small world. But I didn't necessarily question him about Ajax, because when I spoke to Jordi and Míchel, that was enough for me."

Brandt also spoke about PSV's dominance in recent years and Ajax's struggles.

"I was surprised, because Ajax was always at the top, but I also appreciate the work Peter Bosz is doing; he is a very good coach, and PSV has been doing great in recent years.

"I also played against them in the Champions League with Dortmund, and that wasn't easy. So, it is a mix of a lot of small details. But now we have the chance to change everything."

One factor that could have a big impact on the title race is European football. PSV will be playing in the Champions League. Unless they get lucky in the draw, they will probably not go any further than the round of 16, if even.

Ajax will obviously play in the Conference League. The positive side of that is that it is a competition Ajax could very well win, and a chance at European glory is always nice. 

However, Ajax going to the latter stages of the Conference League means a lot more games, which could weaken Ajax in the Eredivisie. Michel will need to find a balance to ensure players remain fresh and fit, but he will also need the support of the board in the transfer market.

Ajax must add even more depth to the squad before the window closes to ensure a lengthy European campaign does not have a negative impact on their chances of finally becoming Dutch champions again.