Sean Steur left Ajax in the summer transfer window to join Newcastle United in a transfer that could rise to as high as €27 million if all bonuses are achieved.

Steur rose through the ranks at Ajax and made his first-team debut for the Amsterdammers in February 2025 against Heracles Almelo. He then went on to make 25 appearances in all competitions for Ajax last season. 

Following Steur's departure, Ajax revamped their midfield. They wanted to sign a creative player and held talks over deals for Azzedine Ounahi and Sven Mijnans. Neither of those transfers came to fruition, and Ajax eventually signed Julian Brandt on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract at Borussia Dortmund. Brandt had attracted interest from the Premier League, including from Leeds United, but opted to move to Amsterdam.

A new defensive midfielder was also a top priority for Ajax, and the club signed Sofyan Amrabat on a free transfer after his contract at Fenerbahçe was terminated. After signing Amrabat, Ajax remained in the market for another midfielder after Youri Regeer moved to Werder Bremen on loan. 

Ajax did not sign that third midfielder before the transfer window closed, but eventually completed the signing of Yves Bissouma. The Malian midfielder was a free agent after his contract at Tottenham Hotspur expired.

Despite having left Ajax, Steur seemingly still watches Ajax games and praised Julian Brandt during an interview with De Telegraaf.

 "Ajax was my home for ten years and will always have a special place in my heart," Steur explained.

"By the way, I enjoy watching Julian Brandt; he really is an incredibly beautiful player." 

Ajax made a couple of excellent signings during the summer transfer window, but it is hard to argue against Brandt being the best.

He has made an excellent start to his time in Amsterdam, scoring six goals in his first 11 games in all competitions.

In addition to his outstanding quality, he brings a wealth of experience to this Ajax team, having played at the highest level and even started a Champions League final for Dortmund in 2024 against Real Madrid.

Mika Godts left Ajax in the summer. The Belgian winger scored 17 goals and registered 12 assists in the Eredivisie last season. While Brandt does not play in the same position as Godts, the German midfielder has the ability to help replace a significant amount of Brandt's output.

Brandt is the kind of player who can produce a moment of brilliance when Ajax need it most. That is especially useful as Ajax will likely play against a lot of deep blocks this season, and breaking down a deep block is usually reliant on individual brilliance.