Sutalo makes Croatia's World Cup cut
Josip Sutalo is heading to the 2026 World Cup. The Ajax defender has been named in Croatia's final squad for the tournament that kicks off June 11 (5). It comes despite what the source describes as a difficult season at Ajax, but Croatia's coaching staff clearly still rate him. He will join veterans like Luka Modric and former PSV man Ivan Perisic in the squad (5). For Sutalo, it's a chance to reset on the biggest stage after a tough club campaign.
Two talents slip away to rivals
Feyenoord have beaten Ajax and PSV to the signing of a highly rated young talent, according to reports (1). The Rotterdam club has also reportedly reached an agreement with Ilian Hadidi, a coveted Moroccan prospect Ajax and PSV were both chasing (4). Losing out on domestic targets to Feyenoord stings, especially when your recruitment team is supposedly aiming high this summer.
Cruijff ready to go big in transfer window
Technical director Jordi Cruijff is preparing for a high-stakes transfer window, journalist Mike Verweij of De Telegraaf claims. Verweij says Cruijff is targeting players he describes as 'too good' for Ajax and expects a quick agreement with Míchel to become the new head coach (6). The ambition is there, now you want to see the deals land.
Abdalla wins the Nouri Trophy
Sixteen-year-old Mohamed Abdalla has been awarded the Abdelhak Nouri Trophy as Ajax's biggest academy talent of the past season (2). He follows in the footsteps of previous winners like Jorrel Hato, Sean Steur, and Ryan Gravenberch. It's the most meaningful individual prize in the Ajax youth setup, and a name you'll want to remember.
Fan reactions
The mood is mixed but leaning optimistic. Fans are buzzing about Cruijff's reported ambition in the transfer market, though some are skeptical and want to see actual signings before getting excited. Losing two young targets to Feyenoord has stung, and plenty of supporters are frustrated that the club keeps getting beaten to emerging Dutch-based talents. On Sutalo's World Cup call-up, there's a quiet pride, many feel the criticism he's received domestically has been overblown and see the Croatia nod as vindication. Join the discussion
