German midfielder Julian Brandt has finally chosen AFC Ajax after months of secret negotiations. The 30-year-old made his debut in the match against PSV and stated this choice felt best for him, as reported by NOS Sport.
Ajax is starting the 2026/27 season strongly and currently sits fourth in the Eredivisie with seven points from three matches. The team has scored eight goals and conceded only two, resulting in a goal difference of plus six. The Amsterdam side trails leader AZ Alkmaar by five points. The next challenge is an away match against FC Twente, scheduled for November 8th, who currently sit eighth.
Why did Julian Brandt choose Ajax?
Julian Brandt explained his choice for the Amsterdam club by saying football must bring him joy. "For me, football has to give me pleasure. And I think I've found that at Ajax," the German said. He clearly enjoys life in Amsterdam and Dutch culture, which he describes as happier, looser, and lighter than German culture. The transfer was kept secret until the last moment, which only increased the anticipation around his arrival.
Brandt previously played under manager Peter Bosz at Bayer Leverkusen, where he made his debut at age 17. Two years ago, he played in the Champions League final with Borussia Dortmund against Real Madrid. His experience at the highest level is a welcome addition to an Ajax squad that, alongside experienced players like Steven Berghuis, Daley Blind, and Sofyan Amrabat, also includes young talent like Abdellah Ouazane, Aaron Bouwman, and Jorthy Mokio.
How does Brandt fit into the current squad?
Manager Míchel has been busy this summer with a total of eleven new signings. The team has become a mix of youth and experience, with goalkeepers like Marc ter Stegen and defenders like Thilo Kehrer. Brandt joins a group that wants to win the Eredivisie title, a goal that was narrowly missed in 2023. Ajax is competing in the Conference League this season, adding another dimension to the schedule.
The German midfielder already showed his quality in his first appearance by scoring against Telstar, although that goal was disallowed for offside. His technique and vision should help Ajax in attack, where consistency is sometimes lacking. Fans can view the full squad and statistics on our squad page.
What are Ajax's ambitions this season?
The club has clear objectives: win the domestic title and play a significant role in Europe. The loss in the 2024 Champions League final is still fresh in memory and drives the current team. The strong start to the league, with two wins and a draw in the first three games, provides confidence for the coming months.
Brandt's arrival fits a strategy of adding immediate experienced players to an existing core. The competition in the Eredivisie is fierce, with AZ Alkmaar as the current leader. The coming weeks, including the away match against Twente, will show if Ajax can influence the title race. The current standings can always be followed on our standings page.
The next official match for Ajax is the away fixture against FC Twente on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
