Míchel set to become new Ajax head coach
Ajax are closing in on Míchel as the club's next manager. The Spaniard is expected to take over soon, with sources in Spain calling the deal significant for a "historic club" (2). A new podcast episode frames the appointment as a return to the principles of the Farioli era, a deliberate move to restore a clear playing identity after a turbulent season (3).
You finished 5th on 56 points, a +21 goal difference offering some consolation but nowhere near what this club demands. Míchel's task is clear: get Ajax back competing at the top.
Kaplan wanted by NEC, but Ajax holding out for Turkish bidding war
NEC Nijmegen want to sign Ahmetcan Kaplan permanently after his successful loan spell, but Ajax are playing a waiting game. The club hopes Besiktas and Trabzonspor will also enter the fray and drive the price up (1). The initial investment in Kaplan was around €9.5m, any sale at the €4m currently being discussed would represent a significant loss (1).
PSV lead race for Kodai Sano, a player Ajax previously tracked
PSV have renewed their pursuit of NEC Nijmegen's Kodai Sano, and they now look like the frontrunners (4). Ajax had shown interest in the Japanese midfielder earlier, but your rivals appear to have moved faster. Sano has also drawn attention from clubs in England and Germany, so this one is not done yet (4).
