Tristan Gooijer leaves for Lommel SK after an Ajax stint in which he made 13 official appearances. The 21-year-old defender made his debut in December 2023 against AEK Athens in the Europa League and came through the youth academy since 2016.
Why is Tristan Gooijer now moving to Belgium?
Gooijer had a contract at Ajax running until and including 30 June 2029, but spent the last two seasons on loan at PEC Zwolle. Upon return, he opted for a permanent move to Lommel SK to secure more playing time. AD Sport reports the transfer is now completed.
How is Ajax faring in the 2026 Eredivisie?
Currently, Ajax sit sixth in the Eredivisie with four points from two games (1W-1D-0L) and a goal difference of +2. League leaders AZ Alkmaar are five points ahead. The next away fixture is against Telstar on 30 August 2026, who are 13th in the table. Daley Blind is currently sidelined due to injury and unavailable for selection.
What does this mean for the Ajax squad?
With Gooijer's departure, space opens up in defence, while Ryan van de Pavert recently returned from a loan at SC Cambuur and rejoined Jong Ajax. Van de Pavert, whose contract runs until 2029, said: "Due to personal circumstances, the recent period has not gone as I had hoped". He will compete for a place in the first team.
Which other players with an Ajax past now play elsewhere?
Ki-Jana Hoever, a 24-year-old defender who spent ten years in the Ajax youth academy, left the club for Liverpool and played eight years in England before moving to Wolverhampton Wanderers. He was then loaned to PSV, Stoke City, AJ Auxerre and Sheffield United before transferring to Sparta Prague for a fee of two million euros. These cases illustrate the talent pipeline from the Amsterdam academy.
What comes next for Tristan Gooijer and Ajax?
Gooijer will need to establish himself at Lommel SK in the Belgian Pro League, where he gets the chance to play regularly. Ajax can focus on integrating younger defenders from Jong Ajax or exploring the market for experienced options, especially given the current injury to Daley Blind and the upcoming away match against Telstar. View the full squad on our squad page or check upcoming fixtures via the fixtures.
