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·4 Agustus 2025
Ajax Eredivisie 2025/2026 Preview

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·4 Agustus 2025
Overview:
It’s a new era in for AFC Ajax, as John Heitinga begins his first season in charge with the aim of winning the Eredivisie for the first time since 2022. After last season’s devastating collapse under Francesco Farioli, Ajax have placed their faith in Heitinga, who had a stint as the the interim manager following the sacking of Alfred Schreuder in 2023. Last season, he was part of the coaching staff at Arne Slot’s Liverpool and helped the Reds to a second Premier League title.
The squad has already undergone some significant change, with both Jordan Henderson and Jorrel Hato moving to the Premier League. It’s clear that Ajax’s transfer policy is to target young talents across Europe and some significant incomings include the signing of talented midfielder Oscar Gloukh from RB Salzburg, and Raúl Moro from Real Valladolid.
Last season PSV scored 36 more goals than Ajax as they pipped them to the title. The signings of Gloukh and Moro are definitely a step in the right direction to bridging that gap.
Transfers in: Oscar Gloukh (RB Salzburg), Raúl Moro (Real Valladolid), Joeri Heerkens (Sparta Prague), Vitezslav Jaros (Liverpool – loan).
Transfers out: Jorrel Hato (Chelsea), Carlos Forbs (Club Brugge), Borna Sosa (Crystal Palace), Jakov medic (Norwich), Kristian Hlynsson (Twente FC), Christian Rasmussen (Dusseldorf), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Jay Gorter (Pafos), Amourricho van Axel-Dongen (Heerenveen – loan).
Key player: Kenneth Taylor
The 23-year-old has improved massively over the last year, recording 23 goal contributions in 52 appearances across all competitions. Despite being linked to a move to Napoli and Roma, Taylor looks set to stay at the club he joined at the age of eight. Despite his young age, Taylor has evolved into one of the leaders of the dressing room, and with former captain Henderson leaving, it will be interesting to see how he steps up both on and off the pitch.
Young player to watch: Oscar Gloukh
All eyes will be on the exciting Israeli talent following his €15 million move from Austrian side RB Salzburg. Gloukh scored 23 goals and assisted 21 goals in 100 games for his former club. He is a silky number 10 who likes to play in between the lines and in his first interview with the club, he spoke about the influence of ex-Ajax star Dusan Tadic. All Ajax fans will be hoping that Gloukh can replicate some of the magic that Tadic brought to Amsterdam.
A special mention should be given to exciting 17-year-old winger Jorthy Mokio. He made 18 appearances for the first team in 2024/25 and has enjoyed a lot of game-time during pre-season, so the young midfielder could be one of the breakout stars in 2025/26.
Transfer window needs:
With Hato’s move to Chelsea leaving Ajax short at the back, Ajax’s immediate priority would be securing a replacement for him. Borussia Mönchengladbach centre-back Ko Itakura is the likely option in this department at the moment. In addition, Brian Brobbey has been heavily linked with other clubs around Europe and Chuba Akpom is set for a move to Birmingham City. Despite the business they have already made, Ajax could benefit with an out-and-out number nine if they are to compete with PSV and Feyenoord from an attacking perspective.