Ajax sign Brazilian duo: “multifunctional” Lucas Rosa and “highly experienced” Matheus | OneFootball

Ajax’s deadline day saw a Brazilian duo move to Amsterdam, with the acquisitions of Lucas Rosa (24) from Real Valladolid and Matheus (32) on loan from Braga.

Joining from La Liga’s relegation favourites Valladolid for €2 million, full-back Rosa signed a contract in the Dutch capital until June 30, 2029.

Speaking on arrival, the former Palmeiras and Juventus youth product said: “It feels great, Ajax is a huge club with a lot of history. I’m looking forward to playing for this club. I’m a player who always believes that everything starts with hard work. I got here by working hard and I will always continue to do so.”

Ajax’s technical director Alex Kroes believes Rosa can provide Ajax with even more ‘poison’:

“With Lucas, we have found a multifunctional player who can play both as a right and left back. He is a real biter, attackers will have to pass him several times to really get past him. He also has the necessary comfort on the ball. As a mid-twenties, he falls exactly in the category we were looking for in terms of age and with his South American mentality he can bring the necessary extra poison to the team.”

With the addition of Matheus, Ajax welcome a goalkeeper with an immense amount of experience. The stopper from Belo Horizonte made the switch to Europe in 2014 and has since played no less than 372 official matches for Braga. He comes in after Diant Ramaj was snapped up Borussia Dortmund.

The loan deal runs for half a season until June 30, 2025 although the agreement does include an option to buy. Matheus is currently under contract with SC Braga until mid-2027.

Alex Kroes: “With Matheus, we are bringing in a highly experienced goalkeeper who can step in immediately if needed. He was ready for a new challenge, and with the departure of Diant Ramaj, a spot had opened up in our squad. We are pleased to have secured him on loan with an option to buy. This means he will not only fill the vacant position behind Remko Pasveer in the short term, but we are also open to a longer stay if it works out well for both parties. We welcome him to the finest club in the Netherlands.”

GBeNeFN | Max Bradfield