AFC Ajax view Abdellah Ouazane as a serious long-term option for the left wing. The young attacker's development could help the club avoid an expensive new signing next year.

The 22-year-old Ouazane has made a very positive impression this season, including scoring the winning goal against Atalanta last week. With less than two years remaining on his current deal, the club now wants to start talks over an extension. By showing him trust on the pitch, Ajax hope to convince him to commit his future to the Johan Cruijff ArenA. The team is coming off a strong 2-0 win over Atalanta, in which Ouazane scored in stoppage time following an assist from T. Arokodare, who had also netted the opening goal.

The situation on the left flank has been a point of concern this season. Loanee Simon Adingra got injured immediately after his debut and has been out of action since. His reported €16 million buy option therefore looks increasingly unattractive. "Even if Adingra returns from injury and finds form, it will be quite difficult for Ajax to sign him permanently," said journalist Johan Inan.

Other options also fell through. PSG signed Mika Godts for a fee of €55 million, while a deal for Noa Lang collapsed over Napoli's asking price. Oscar Gloukh has started most games on the left, but his end product has been inconsistent.

Inan sees Ouazane as a logical alternative.

If Ouazane does become the first choice on the left, attention will shift to the right side. Viktor Tsygankov and Steven Berghuis operate there, both preferring to cut inside rather than stay wide. A new, more traditional winger would then be needed to balance the system.

John van 't Schip's side currently sit fourth in the Eredivisie with 18 points from nine games, a record of five wins, three draws and one loss. Their last five results read two wins, two draws and one defeat, with the team currently on a two-game winning run. In the league, Ajax are five points behind leaders Feyenoord. Their attack has been potent with 27 goals scored and only 12 conceded, a goal difference of plus fifteen. The top scorer this season is Julian Brandt with six goals. The next step is a conversation with Ouazane and his representatives about a new contract.

The report in full is at roundtable.io