Ajax underwent a major rebuild of their squad during the summer. The Amsterdammers have completed 12 first-team signings since the end of last season.

The midfield was an area of the pitch that underwent significant renovation. Ajax signed Julian Brandt on a free transfer after his contract with Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund expired. 

A new defensive midfielder was also a top priority for Ajax going into the transfer window. Talks were held over a deal that would have seen Edson Alvarez return to Ajax, but that transfer failed to develop. Ajax eventually completed the signing of Sofyan Amrabat on a free transfer following the termination of his contract at Fenerbahçe.

Ajax were also linked to Yves Bissouma during the summer. The Malian midfielder was a free agent following the expiry of his contract at Tottenham Hotspur. Even after signing Amrabat, Ajax were keen on signing another midfielder and eventually reached an agreement with Bissouma on a one-year contract after the transfer window closed.

A couple of midfielders also left Ajax. Branco van den Boomen joined Ligue 1 club Angers. Youri Regeer endured a very difficult start to the season and struggled for form. He left Ajax at the end of August and joined Werder Bremen on loan. The German club also have the option to sign him permanently next summer. 

Kian Fitz-Jim also left, joining Serie A outfit Torino on a permanent transfer. Sean Steur also left Ajax, joining Premier League club Newcastle United in a deal that could rise to €27 million if all bonuses are achieved.

In an interview with ESPN, Steur has explained why he decided to leave Ajax in the summer to move to Newcastle.

"Based on a gut feeling. It is difficult to explain, but it is mainly the feeling and the conviction they give you," Steur explained when asked why he joined Newcastle.

"A tremendous amount changed at Ajax. Everyone could see that. I had some doubts about what my role would be. They opted for a lot of experience, which is fine.

“Ultimately, I think it was the best choice for me to go somewhere else."

Steur is an excellent player, but Ajax have done a great job rebuilding the midfield since his departure.

In Amrabat and Bissouma, Ajax have two quality footballers with experience at the highest level. Jorthy Mokio can also play there, although he is probably best as a no. 8, which is a position where Ajax also have Davy Klaassen. While his best days may be behind him, he still has an eye for goal and gets into great positions in and around the box. 

In the no. 10 position, Ajax have Brandt, who has made an outstanding start to his Ajax career. The likes of Oscar Gloukh, Abdellah Ouazane and Rayane Bounida can all play there, too.

All in all, Ajax have a very nice blend of youth and experience, as well as good variation in player profiles. They also have enough depth in midfield, which will be crucial as they look to compete on multiple fronts.