Míchel signs until 2028, the rebuild is real
Ajax have officially appointed Míchel as the new head coach on a deal running until 2028 (1) (3) (5) (6). The Spaniard arrives after a relegation with Girona, but the club are betting on his philosophy and track record with young players (9).
Míchel has already spoken with Donny van de Beek and Daley Blind, two former Ajax players who know exactly what the shirt demands. "I want to continue the Ajax philosophy," he said after taking advice from both (7) (11).
His English at the presentation raised some eyebrows among fans, but the bigger question is whether he'll trust the academy kids. Some voices around Girona are already questioning that (13).
Ceballos deal close, your first summer signing
Ajax are nearing an agreement with Real Madrid for midfielder Dani Ceballos, with a fee around six million euros on the table (4) (8). Matteo Moretto reports negotiations are progressing well, and the 29-year-old could become Míchel's first acquisition (4).
Sutalo mistake gifts Belgium a win
Josip Sutalo had a moment to forget as Croatia opened their World Cup preparation campaign with a 0–2 defeat to Belgium (10). The Ajax defender's slip let Romelu Lukaku in, and Belgium never looked back. Croatia have work to do, and Sutalo will want to put this one behind him quickly.
Fan reactions
The Míchel news has split opinion. Some fans are cautiously optimistic about the appointment, while others are already worried about his English and whether he'll give youth a real chance, a non-negotiable for any Ajax manager. Meanwhile, the Ceballos rumour has Real Madrid supporters on Reddit more bothered than Ajax fans, with many questioning why a player of his quality would leave for six million. Read the full thread.
