Ajax blocks Ribeiro and Fejokwu transfers over salary

Ajax announced yesterday that the proposed moves for 16‑year‑old striker Martim Ribeiro from Sporting Portugal and fellow 16‑year‑old Emmanuel Fejokwu of West Ham United have been halted after the teenagers demanded salaries above the Dutch club’s established wage ceiling in the Netherlands.

Ajax Showtime reported that the club held "good talks" with Ribeiro about a potential move to the Johan Cruijff Arena. The striker, aged 16, was being considered as a future addition to Ajax’s attacking line‑up.

Emmanuel Fejokwu, also 16 and born in the Netherlands, was similarly linked with a transfer to Ajax. Both players were expected to join the Amsterdam side before the deal collapsed.

AS had earlier noted Ajax’s interest in Ribeiro, who is contracted to Sporting Portugal, and in Fejokwu, who is on West Ham United’s books. The duo’s arrivals were described as "close" before the salary issue halted progress.

The club’s decision was driven by the teenagers’ requests for wages that exceeded Ajax’s maximum salary limit. Ajax maintains a strict salary ceiling and does not grant exceptions for top talents or foreign prospects.

By rejecting the transfers, Ajax reaffirmed its commitment to financial discipline despite interest in promising youngsters. The cancellation leaves Ribeiro and Fejokwu to continue their development with their current clubs.

Ajax’s policy underscores its long‑standing approach to wage management in Dutch football. The club expects its youth pipeline to supply talent without breaching the salary structure.