AFC Ajax have concluded a busy period with two new signings and a convincing league victory. The Amsterdam side have loaned defender Thilo Kehrer from AS Monaco and signed midfielder Sofyan Amrabat as a free agent, according to various reports this week.
Who are Ajax's new signings?
De Telegraaf reports that AS Monaco have given Thilo Kehrer permission to travel to Amsterdam for a medical. The clubs have agreed on a loan deal for the 29-year-old German international. Kehrer is a centre-back known for his physical strength and duel-winning ability, traits that should bolster manager Michel Sanchez's defence. He spent the last two and a half years at Monaco after spells with West Ham United and Paris Saint-Germain.
The second reinforcement is Sofyan Amrabat. The Moroccan international signed a contract until June 2028 with Ajax, after mutually terminating his deal with Fenerbahçe. The defensive midfielder revealed that technical director Jordi Cruijff had been in contact with him since April. "He told me about Ajax's plans. It was a great story," Amrabat told english.ajax.nl. His arrival is intended to add balance and experience to the midfield.
How did the league match against Telstar go?
Ajax secured a 3-0 away win at Telstar last weekend. Michel Sanchez's team struggled to break down the defence initially, but Davy Klaassen opened the scoring just before half-time. After the break, Steven Berghuis doubled the lead following a swift counter-attack, and Tolu made it 3-0 just minutes later. The win fits Ajax's current form, as they sit fourth in the Eredivisie after three matchdays with seven points. The team has scored eight goals and conceded only two, resulting in a +6 goal difference. You can find the full standings on our site.
What does this mean for Ajax's defence?
The arrival of Kehrer is part of a rebuilt defence at Ajax this summer. Left-back Caio Henrique was signed earlier, and Jofre Torrents joined on a free transfer from Barcelona. On the other hand, Josip Sutalo, Ko Itakura, and Ahmetcan Kaplan have departed. Daley Blind returned as a centre-back, but the club specifically sought a right-footed reinforcement. An attempt to loan Enzo Boyomo from Osasuna failed, making the Kehrer deal particularly important. His top-level experience is expected to guide the young backline.
What is Ajax's position in the league?
With seven points from three games, Ajax are currently in fourth place. The team has won twice and drawn once, with a recent form of WDW. Leaders AZ Alkmaar hold a five-point advantage, meaning every upcoming match is vital. The next opportunity to gain points is a home fixture against second-placed PSV Eindhoven on September 5, 2026. That match is listed on our fixtures page. The squad, including the new signings, can be viewed in the squad overview.
The additions of Amrabat and Kehrer provide Michel Sanchez with more options for the crucial home match against PSV. Both players are immediately available for selection.
