PSV and Feyenoord may have been the dominant forces in recent years, but this June they are nowhere near as ambitious. Ajax have sent a clear message to the rest of the Eredivisie: the giants from Amsterdam are awake again and assembling a championship-winning squad capable of ending their five-year title drought and bringing the trophy back to the Johan Cruyff Arena. After several high-profile signings earlier in the transfer window, the Lancers have now completed one of the biggest transfers in the Benelux this year.Bringing joy to Ajax – Julian Brandt. pic.twitter.com/vyjwx4JojL— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) July 31, 2026 Julian Brandt is officially an Ajax player. The experienced German midfielder has left Borussia Dortmund after seven years, joining the Dutch club on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract. The 30-year-old attacking midfielder has signed a three-year deal, committing his future to the four-time European champions until the June 2029. The arrival of a player with 48 caps for Germany, who attracted interest from several European clubs—including Leeds United—represents a marquee signing and a major statement for Ajax supporters. The club's sporting department, led by Jordi Cruyff, worked patiently on the deal for months."Julian chose Ajax, and we're absolutely delighted. We've been negotiating for months, even though he had opportunities to join other clubs. With him, we're getting a top-class international player with a wealth of experience and an outstanding mentality. I'm convinced he'll bring genuine quality to our team" Cruyff said.Dortmund star to leave for free in JuneBrandt's arrival is the crowning moment of an exceptionally ambitious transfer window overseen by head coach Mitchell. He becomes Ajax's fifth signing so far, while the club is also eagerly awaiting the final confirmation of Marc-Andre ter Stegen's arrival from Barcelona. With additions of this caliber, the club's ambitions are crystal clear: to bring the Eredivisie title back to Amsterdam after five long years. Alongside Brandt, Mitchell's new-look squad has also been strengthened by Marcos Leonardo from Al Hilal, Caio Henrique from Monaco, Daley Blind from Girona, and Tolu Arokodare from Wolverhampton Wanderers. With seasoned veterans such as Brandt and Blind complementing youthful energy and significant investment across every area of the squad, Ajax are sending a clear message to the rest of Dutch football: they are coming for the title, and they intend to restore the crown to where their history says it belongs.##NAJAVA_MECA_9872415##
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