AFC Ajax is dealing with a serious injury to defender Aaron Bouwman and a new defensive reinforcement following their 1-3 defeat to PSV. The Amsterdam side currently sits fifth in the Eredivisie with seven points from four matches, six points behind leaders PSV.
According to HLN Voetbal, the 19-year-old Bouwman suffered bruises to his sternum and lungs after a heavy challenge from PSV's Ruben van Bommel in the closing stages of the top-of-the-table clash last weekend. The defender was hospitalized after the match and will be out for at least a month. Referee Sander van der Eijk only showed a yellow card for the foul, a decision that drew heavy criticism. Analyst Hugo Borst called the incident a "murder attempt" in the ESPN studio.
What is the recovery timeline for Aaron Bouwman?
Ajax's medical staff expects Bouwman to require complete rest for the coming weeks. The bruises to his sternum and lungs cause pain during breathing and movement, ruling out a quick return. The club will monitor his recovery closely via the injuries page. It's a significant setback for manager Míchel Sánchez, who has already seen his defence reshuffled this summer.
Bouwman had become a regular in Ajax's defence this season. His absence coincides with a busy period that includes an away match against Fortuna Sittard. The Ajax squad for 2026 must now continue without him.
Which new defensive reinforcement is arriving?
Ajax is close to signing German defender Thilo Kehrer. De Telegraaf reports that AS Monaco has given the player permission to travel to Amsterdam for a medical. The clubs are finalising the details of a loan agreement.
Kehrer brings experience from the Bundesliga, Premier League and Ligue 1. He won nearly 64 percent of his duels for Monaco last season. The 29-year-old centre-back is expected to add stability and physical presence to Ajax's backline. His arrival is a direct response to the departure of several defenders this summer, including Josip Sutalo and Ko Itakura.
How did the match against PSV unfold?
NOS Sport analysed that PSV under Peter Bosz won in Amsterdam for the first time in three years, but the quality gap was smaller than before. Ajax played well between the 20th and 40th minutes, creating chances through new signings like Julian Brandt and Tolu Arokodare. Lutsharel Geertruida's 1-2 goal just before halftime proved to be a turning point.
The defeat means Ajax has now scored nine goals and conceded five this season. The team is in fifth place with a +4 goal difference. The title race remains open, as the gap to PSV is significant but not insurmountable like last season. The coming weeks are important for the standings.
Which other player is joining the squad?
BeIN Sports reported this week that Ajax has signed Ivorian winger Simon Adingra on loan from Sunderland. The 24-year-old joins for the season, with a reported option to buy for €15.9 million. Ajax is also paying a loan fee of €3.8 million.
Adingra was on loan at Monaco last season but failed to make an impact at Sunderland. He is expected to add pace and penetration to Ajax's attack. His signing fits technical director Jordi Cruijff's strategy of closing the gap with PSV. The Ajax squad for 2026 is gradually taking shape.
Ajax's next opportunity to bounce back is the away fixture against Fortuna Sittard on September 12th. Fortuna currently sits seventh in the table.
