Nemanja Gudelj has completed a move to Getafe, setting up a direct Conference League group stage clash with his former club AFC Ajax. The 34-year-old Serbian defensive midfielder leaves Sevilla after a successful spell and has signed a one-year contract with the Spanish side, which includes an option for a further season, as reported by Voetbal International this week.
The medical is scheduled after the weekend, after which the transfer will be formalized. Gudelj's choice for Getafe means a return to the Eredivisie, where he previously played for NAC Breda, AZ, and Ajax, is off the table for now. Ajax currently sits seventh in the Eredivisie with four points from two matches, following a win and a draw. The team has scored four goals and conceded two, a +2 goal difference, and trails leaders AZ Alkmaar by five points.
Why did Gudelj choose Getafe?
Getafe offered the experienced international an immediate chance for playing time in La Liga and European football. A potential move to Royal Antwerp FC, led by his former Ajax colleague Marc Overmars, did not materialize. Gudelj leaves Sevilla after 261 official appearances and two UEFA Europa League titles. His professional career now spans over 650 matches across eight clubs. Beyond his Dutch and Spanish adventures, he also played in China for Tianjin Teda and in Portugal for Sporting CP.
What does this mean for Ajax in the Conference League?
The UEFA Conference League group stage draw already paired Getafe and Ajax together. Gudelj's arrival at Getafe adds a personal layer to these fixtures. The Serbian, who has earned 75 caps, knows the Johan Cruijff Arena well from his time in Amsterdam. His physical style of play and top-level experience make him a valuable addition for Getafe and an extra challenge for the Ajax midfield. The Amsterdam side can prepare for the upcoming clashes via our stats page, where the form of both teams can be tracked.
How is Ajax positioned for the coming weeks?
Ajax's immediate focus is on the league, with an away match against Telstar on August 30th. After the international break, preparations for the European campaign will begin in earnest. The current squad, listed on our squad page, must demonstrate in the coming weeks that it can handle the double burden. Their position in the standings still offers enough room to catch up with the top, but consistency is required. The arrival of a familiar opponent like Gudelj in the European group immediately adds extra significance to the matches against Getafe.
With the transfer, a chapter is closed for Gudelj, but a new story begins with a direct link to Amsterdam. His experience and knowledge of the Eredivisie will undoubtedly be deployed when Getafe comes to visit. For Ajax, the task is to collect league points and have the defensive organization in order for the European fixtures. The next test is the away match at Telstar, a chance to add more points before attention shifts to Europe.
