World Cup
Jordi Cruijff to off‑load 15 players, rejects low‑price deals
Ajax technical director Jordi Cruijff has confirmed he intends to off‑load at least fifteen players this summer, but will not accept bargain‑price offers, as the club gears up for the new season while the World Cup is under way in Europe.
After beating FC Utrecht in the play‑offs final, Ajax indicated on Monday 22 June that pre‑season preparations would start soon. The squad, minus World Cup participants Ko Itakura and Josip Sutalo, will undergo medical examinations on Thursday 25 June, with Míchel delivering his first training session on Friday 26 June. Clubwatcher Johan Inan provided the details in his June 22 analysis.
Míchel’s official debut as Ajax head coach is scheduled for Thursday 22 July, the second qualifying round of the Conference League. Ajax will face either Ferencvaros or Vojvodina in that fixture.
The composition of Míchel’s backroom staff remains undisclosed, though technical director Jordi Cruijff is expected to finalize appointments. Spanish assistant Juanvi Peinado announced his role on Instagram, and a Dutch specialist already active at Ajax is also anticipated.
Former Girona performance coach David Porcel and goalkeeper trainer Juan Carlos Balaguer left Girona last month, opening the possibility of their recruitment by Ajax. Both coaches could reunite with Míchel’s team at the Dutch club.
Ajax are negotiating the signing of Brazilian left‑back Caio Henrique from AS Monaco, a 29‑year‑old who has earned five caps for Brazil and logged more than 150 Ligue 1 appearances in the past six seasons. The transfer is expected to cost roughly €10 million, with a personal contract to be agreed upon.
Other targets such as Marc‑André ter Stegen and Dani Ceballos remain under contract with Spanish giants, making their wages a stumbling block for Ajax. Meanwhile, Sivert Mannsverk was sold permanently to Sparta Prague after a loan spell, and Óscar García departed Jong Ajax after four months, leaving the youth side without a head coach.
The summer transfer window opens on Monday, coinciding with the ongoing World Cup, and the Eredivisie season is set to begin the weekend of 7‑9 August. Ajax’s preparations will continue as the club balances squad reshaping with early European commitments.