AFC Ajax is set to sign 24-year-old Ivorian winger Simon Adingra in a move focused on securing him more playing time. The transfer of the Brighton player, who worked under Roberto De Zerbi last season, is viewed as a direct replacement for Mika Godts, according to an analysis by Voetbal International this week.
Adingra's arrival comes as Ajax has made a solid start to the Eredivisie season. The Amsterdam side sits fourth with seven points from three games, following two wins and a draw. They have scored eight goals and conceded just two, giving them a goal difference of plus six. The next major test is already on the horizon: a home match against league leaders PSV Eindhoven on September 5th. You can view the full schedule on our fixtures page.
Why is Ajax choosing Simon Adingra?
Manager Míchel Sánchez has been clear about what he sees in the winger. Sánchez said he sees "in him the desired winger with depth." Adingra's profile fits the need for a player who can both take on defenders individually and contribute intelligently to build-up play. His development at Brighton has stalled somewhat over the past two years, making this transfer a logical step for both player and club. Ajax hopes regular minutes in Amsterdam will get his career back on track.
What experience does Adingra bring?
Despite his age, Simon Adingra has already delivered on the biggest stages. His pinnacle so far was the Africa Cup of Nations final, where he helped Ivory Coast beat Nigeria 2-1. Adingra provided assists for both goals and was named Man of the Match. At the World Cup, he played fifteen minutes against Germany. It is notable that he was not selected for the Ivory Coast squad in 2025, highlighting his inconsistent club form at that time. His physical presence and pace will add a new dimension to the squad, which you can follow on our squad page.
How does he fit into the current team setup?
The signing of Adingra represents a direct challenge for the wide positions. He is being brought in to replace Mika Godts, which clarifies the technical staff's intentions. In Míchel Sánchez's system, he can operate on either flank, offering flexibility. His ability to make deep runs and beat defenders one-on-one could be vital in tight matches. The current fourth-place league standing, five points behind leaders AZ, underscores the need for added quality to stay in the title race. The latest table is always available on our standings page.
The first opportunity for Adingra to prove his worth will be the home match against PSV Eindhoven on Saturday, September 5th, 2026.
