AFC Ajax bolstered their squad with two loan signings on the final day of the transfer window. The Amsterdam club brought in defender Thilo Kehrer from AS Monaco and forward Simon Adingra from Sunderland, as reported by NOS Sport this week.
The team currently sits fourth in the Eredivisie with seven points from three matches, following two wins and a draw. Their goal difference stands at a positive six, having scored eight and conceded two. Ajax trails league leaders AZ Alkmaar by five points. The next major challenge is a home fixture against second-placed PSV Eindhoven on September 5, 2026.
Who are AFC Ajax's new signings?
Thilo Kehrer is a 28-year-old German international with 28 caps. The centre-back broke through at Schalke 04 and later played for Paris Saint-Germain and West Ham United before joining Monaco. He was a regular starter for the Principality club. Ajax brought him in to fill the voids left by the departures of Josip Sutalo to Lazio and Ko Itakura to Borussia Mönchengladbach.
Simon Adingra is a 24-year-old Ivory Coast international. Ajax secured an option to buy the speedy winger. Adingra previously played for FC Nordsjælland, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Union Sint-Gillis. He was on loan at Monaco last season. You can view the complete squad on our club page.
What did technical director Jordi Cruijff say?
Technical director Jordi Cruijff explained the arrivals through the club's official channels. He was clear about Adingra in a press release. "Simon brings speed, depth and a strong mentality," Cruijff said.
He was equally positive about the German defender. Cruijff stated: "Thilo is an extremely professional and good player who brings a lot of experience." The signings are intended as direct replacements for Mika Godts, who moved to Paris Saint-Germain this summer.
What does this mean for the Ajax defence?
The arrival of Kehrer is a direct response to the departure of two central defenders this summer. With his experience in the Bundesliga, Premier League and Ligue 1, he is expected to bring immediate stability. He was a regular starter at Monaco but never secured a fixed place at Paris Saint-Germain.
After his transfer to West Ham United in 2022, he was loaned to Monaco a year later, before the French club made the move permanent in 2024. His professional attitude is highly valued in Amsterdam. The current league stats show Ajax has made a strong defensive start with only two goals conceded.
How does Adingra fit into the attacking plan?
Simon Adingra is tasked with replacing the creativity and goal threat of Godts on the wing. His career path took him from Denmark to English football and via Belgium to the French league. His loan spell at Monaco last season gave him valuable top-level experience.
Ajax negotiated a favourable deal with the option to buy, allowing them to assess the player extensively first. His pace and direct running should make the attacking line more dangerous. The club has already scored eight goals this season, as reflected in the standings.
The arrival of both players should aid Ajax in the title race, where they currently face a five-point deficit. The next opportunity to make an impression is the top-of-the-table clash against PSV at home in the Johan Cruijff ArenA on September 5. The match is scheduled in the club's fixtures.
