From Amsterdam’s glimmering Johan Cruijff Arena to the pressure cooker of the Champions League, Ajax has always dared to dream — and build. But after a summer of heavy departures and mixed results in Europe, one question looms large for fans and analysts alike: who should Ajax sign to return to the summit of Dutch and continental football? In this article, AnaGoal will dive into Ajax’s current needs, evaluate targets, and propose a roadmap for recruitment that balances youth, experience, and identity.
Ajax’s Current State: Strengths, Gaps, and Departures
Before exploring possible signings, we must understand where Ajax stands today. The 2025–26 season has already seen significant turnover. Ajax re-signed Oscar Gloukh, brought in Ko Itakura, Raúl Moro, and Kasper Dolberg as new attacking options — but also lost foundational pieces. Jorrel Hato moved to Chelsea for a reported €44 million, Brian Brobbey and Bertrand Traoré departed, Jordan Henderson left on a free transfer, and Borna Sosa was sold.
The squad now features exciting returns and young prospects — Youri Regeer came back via a buy-back, Lucas Rosa joined in defense, and Edvardsen leads the forward line. But those arrivals already hint at Ajax’s strategy: ambitious, risk-taking, youth-forward — yet not ignoring experience.
However, cracks are showing in Europe. Recent heavy Champions League defeats highlight a need for composure, depth, and balance. The defensive unit must stabilize, the midfield must control transitions, and the attack needs a blend of flair and consistency.
Let’s break Ajax’s priority zones and who might fill them next.
Priority Areas for Reinforcement
Defensive solidity: center-back and full-back cover
Losing Jorrel Hato removed a generational talent, or perhaps a versatile left-footed center-back who can cover full-back duties. On the flanks, depth remains shallow — Lucas Rosa provides cover on the right, but more competition is needed, especially on the left side.
Midfield balance and grit
Ajax tend to favor creative, technical midfielders — but in high-stakes matches, they often lack grit and defensive steel. The midfield could use a box-to-box enforcer to complement Gloukh’s attacking energy, and someone who can shield the backline while recycling possession.
Proven attacking firepower
While Edvardsen and Moro have potential, Ajax should avoid overreliance on raw youth. A more experienced goal scorer, one who has delivered in big matches and can mentor, would balance the frontline. The ideal striker would combine mobility, finishing, and intelligent movement.
Depth and balance across the squad
Ajax also need rotational options — cover for key positions to survive injuries, suspensions, and fixture congestion. That means full-backs, wingers, and even backup goalkeeper options who are ready to step in without a steep drop-off.
Potential Targets: Who Should Ajax Sign
Below is a curated list of players who could realistically (or ambitiously) fit Ajax’s needs, categorized by role and with pros/cons.
Center-backs / defensive reinforcements
- Daniel Bîrligea – Reported to be on Ajax’s radar, this Romanian center-forward also has defensive potential in youth setups. Transfer rumors list him among Ajax’s prospects.
- Louis Munteanu – While primarily a forward, his name appears in rumor lists tied to Ajax’s attacking and defensive planning.
- Undisclosed left-footed defender – A left-footed center-back with experience at a mid-to-top European league would be a huge asset, though specific names haven’t solidified yet in rumors.
Midfield powerhouses
- Seasoned box-to-box midfielder – Ajax currently lack a mature, reliable engine in midfield. A player aged 25–30, capable of linking defense and attack, would be ideal.
- Defensive pivot / hybrid 6/8 – To shield the defense, Ajax need someone comfortable in a double pivot, who can break lines and distribute.
(Some midfield targets have floated in rumor mills but lack consensus — Ajax must strike smart.)
Striker / attacking leader
- Daniel Bîrligea (again) — Though often viewed as forward talent, Bîrligea has been listed among Ajax’s radar names. His physical presence could add balance to a younger frontline.
- An experienced European striker — Someone with consistent scoring in a respectable league, able to contribute immediately and mentor younger forwards.
Depth options & promising additions
- Full-back cover — A reliable left-back or attacking wing-back who can fill in when the starters need rest.
- Backup goalkeeper — To challenge Jaros and Pasveer, someone stable and experienced at that level.
- Wingers with dynamism — To inject pace and creativity.
Strategic Principles for Ajax’s Next Moves
To successfully target and integrate new signings, Ajax should follow these guiding principles:
- Blend youth and experience
- Ajax’s DNA is youth-driven, but signings must include a sprinkling of maturity to anchor the team in big moments.
- Value versatility
- Players who can operate in multiple positions (center-back who can also play left-back, midfielders who can slot into 6 or 8) offer tactical flexibility.
- Buy smart, not cheap
- Rather than chasing bargains, invest in players who have proven ability in mid-tier European leagues and room to grow.
- Use sell-on revenue wisely
- The enormous fee from Hato’s sale gives Ajax budget breathing room. Allocate funds to high-impact reinforcements rather than speculative moves.
- Alignment with tactical identity
- Ajax coaches often favor possession, pressing, and vertical transitions. New players must fit this system rather than force the system to fit them.
Ideal Starting XI (with potential signings)
Here is a hypothetical first XI assuming Ajax pull off smart reinforcements:
- Goalkeeper: Jaros (with backup signed)
- Right-back: Lucas Rosa
- Center-backs: Itakura + new left-footed defender
- Left-back: New signing or versatile defender
- Midfield: Defensive pivot + Gloukh’s creative partner
- Attacking midfield / sides: Moro, wingers from existing squad + depth
- Forward: Edvardsen supplemented by a more proven striker
This lineup would enhance defensive security, midfield balance, and attacking bite — while preserving Ajax’s youthful core.
Risks & Caveats
- Misreading market conditions — Overpaying or bidding in saturated positions could backfire.
- Integration challenges — Even great signings can fail if adaptation is slow. Ajax must manage assimilation into Dutch football and the club’s culture.
- Wage structure and sustainability — Ajax shouldn’t upset internal balance by paying over-market wages to a few outsiders.
- Youth development versus first-team time — Too many new signings may block the pathway for homegrown talent.
Final Thoughts
Who should Ajax sign next is more than a shopping list — it’s a statement of intent. Ajax must rebuild with a balance of ambition and identity. They should target a composed defender, a dynamic box-to-box midfielder, and a reliable goal scorer — while retaining the youthful spark and attacking philosophy fans expect.
If Ajax get this right, they won’t just compete for Eredivisie titles — they’ll stride back into European relevance.
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