Following the departure of Mika Godts to Paris Saint-Germain, Ajax held talks over deals to sign several potential replacements.

Noa Lang was reportedly the top target, but that move failed to materialise. Ajax eventually signed Simon Adingra from Sunderland on deadline day.

Adingra moved to Sunderland in the summer of 2025 from Brighton and Hove Albion for a reported fee of over €20 million, but his time at the Stadium of Light did not go to plan. He moved to AS Monaco on loan in January, but the French club did not sign him permanently.

That allowed Ajax to sign the Ivorian winger. Ajax agreed to a loan deal with Sunderland and reportedly has the option to sign him permanently next summer for a fee of €16 million.

Adingra is yet to make his Ajax debut, as he was injured when he signed.

Following the three-week international break, Michel Sanchez confirmed in his press conference before the game against NEC Nijmegen that Adingra is fit and available for selection. 

Michel also spoke about what Adingra will bring to Ajax and commented on comparisons between Adingra and Godts.

"They cannot be compared," Michel said, speaking about Adingra and Godts.

"Godts did well here. We expect Simon to do well. He plays very vertically and is good in one-on-one situations.

"We need to improve on that; he is a good attacker."

Godts was sensational for Ajax last season, and his departure weakened Ajax, but Ajax still have several quality options on the left wing.

Oscar Gloukh impressed before the international break, and while he does like to come into more central positions as opposed to staying wide, he has shown in moments that he can hold the width and dribble past the full-back. He is a player who constantly tries to make things happen, and while he takes a lot of shots, he is also very creative.

Abdellah Ouazane, like Gloukh, likes to play more centrally, but he has been very impressive on the left wing in the minutes he has gotten this season. Oliver Edvardsen can also play on the left and could be useful in games where Ajax want to maximise attacking transitions.

Adingra will be a crucial player for Ajax this season; he likely lacks match sharpness at the moment. The last time he played was on 2 August in a friendly against Wrexham, which was over two months ago.

Gloukh's impressive recent form means he should keep his place in the starting line-up. Adingra should come on as a substitute over the next couple of games to allow him to gain match sharpness and fitness.