AZ Alkmaar has secured a major signing from a direct European rival of AFC Ajax. The Eredivisie leaders have paid a multi-million fee for 21-year-old Danish midfielder Valdemar Byskov from FC Midtjylland, as reported by the Telegraaf this week.
Ajax, currently fourth in the Eredivisie with seven points from three games, will host Midtjylland on November 5 in European competition. Byskov's move to AZ significantly weakens the Danish side ahead of that clash. The Amsterdam side has scored eight goals and conceded only two this season, but in the title race they trail leaders AZ by five points.
Who is AZ's new signing?
Valdemar Byskov made his professional debut for Midtjylland in 2022. One year later, he was loaned to Portuguese club CD Mafra for a short period. Despite this, the talented midfielder has already played over 100 matches by age 21, both in domestic competition and in Europe. This season he made ten appearances for Midtjylland, scoring twice and providing two assists. In total, he played 109 matches for the Danes.
AZ's technical director Niels van Duinen is clearly convinced of the youngster's qualities. "Valdemar is one of the most talented boys in his age category in Denmark," Van Duinen told the Telegraaf. He also described Byskov as their desired offensive midfielder. The player is seen as a valuable addition to the Alkmaar squad.
What does this mean for the upcoming Ajax match?
The timing of the transfer is notable. Ajax will host FC Midtjylland in just over two months for a crucial European match. By losing a creative force like Byskov, the Danish team is weakened before that encounter. For Ajax, who must cope with the absence of the injured Youri Regeer in the coming period, this could be a minor advantage. The current Ajax squad is listed on our squad page.
However, the Amsterdam side must first focus on a strong PSV Eindhoven, the number two in the league. That home match is scheduled for September 5, 2026, a fixture you can find in our fixtures. Ajax's recent form is WDW (win, draw, win), providing confidence for the weeks ahead.
How is Ajax positioned in the league now?
The start of the season has been reasonable for Ajax, but the gap to the top is significant. With two wins, one draw, and seven points, the club occupies fourth place. Their goal difference of +6 is strong, but their direct rivals keep winning. The current league table can always be followed on our standings page.
The coming weeks will be decisive in whether Ajax can keep pace. After the home game against PSV, a series of matches follows where points must be taken to close the gap with AZ. Byskov's transfer to a direct rival underscores AZ's ambitions, meaning Ajax must compete with them on two fronts. Ajax's next fixture is at home against PSV Eindhoven on September 5, 2026.
