Jordi Cruijff’s Influence on Ajax’s Transfer Decisions

Jordi Cruijff has not yet definitively taken the reins in Ajax’s technical operations, but his influence is already being felt. Recently, he has reportedly put a halt to two potential winter transfer deals.

In the Kick-Off podcast, Mike Verweij, a club observer for Ajax via De Telegraaf, shared insights on the club’s activities during the winter transfer window. He noted, “Jordi Cruijff is already being used as a sounding board.” Typically, Cruijff is expected to officially start his role at the ArenA named after his father in February.

Verweij commented on the implications of Ajax potentially missing out on both players, stating, “That is possible, but these are choices that need to be made.” He emphasized that decision-makers in the club must confront difficult choices. They might approach players with plans for the upcoming season and offer signing bonuses for the summer, which could be appealing to those players. However, he cautioned that this strategy carries risks, saying, “This approach makes things more challenging.”

It is no secret that Ajax views El Karouani as the ideal left-back for their future, especially given that Owen Wijndal has not met expectations since his arrival from AZ. Additionally, Wijndal commands a substantial salary reflective of a more prosperous period for the club. Recently, following a red card in a cup match, he addressed rumors regarding his possible departure during an interview with ESPN.