Steven Berghuis recently voiced concerns about Ajax’s struggles to play attacking football, questioning whether the current squad possesses the necessary qualities. This frustration, aired after another defeat, highlights a deeper issue plaguing the Dutch giants: a cycle of inconsistent performances and a staggering financial outlay with little to show for it.
Over the past four seasons, Ajax has spent nearly 300 million euros on players, yet consistent success remains elusive. This raises a critical question: is the club’s transfer strategy fundamentally flawed, or are other factors contributing to the instability?
The Revolving Door at Ajax: A Pattern of Instability
Berghuis, alongside Davy Klaassen, represents a rare link to Ajax’s successful 2021 Champions League campaign under Erik ten Hag. The contrast between that period and the current state of affairs is stark, with the team now battling to secure a fifth-place finish in the Eredivisie. This dramatic decline underscores the impact of constant change within the squad and on the coaching staff.
‘Maak Berghuis technisch directeur bij Ajax’
Recent Acquisitions: A Mixed Bag of Results
Despite financial constraints, Ajax invested approximately 50 million euros in new players last summer, including Alex Kroes, Marijn Beuker, Oscar Gloukh (14.75 million), Raúl Moro (11 million), Ko Itakura (10.5 million), and Kasper Dolberg (10 million). However, few of these signings have significantly strengthened the team.
Raúl Moro, for instance, has already returned to Spain due to difficulties adapting to life in the Netherlands. Director of Football Marijn Beuker acknowledged this, stating, “Unfortunately, he couldn’t fully settle in the Netherlands.” Moro scored only one goal in 21 appearances, against Excelsior Maassluis in the cup.
Itakura is slowly recovering from a lingering back injury and is a reliable defender, but he doesn’t elevate the overall level of the defense. Dolberg has scored only three goals in the Eredivisie, and Gloukh, the intended top signing, spends more time on the bench than he would like.
Mika Godts, a recent call-up to the Belgian national team, has emerged as a bright spot, with 14 goals and 10 assists. He is currently the second-highest scorer in the league, trailing only Ayase Ueda of Feyenoord. With 24 goal contributions, he is the most productive Ajax player under 21 in the 21st century, surpassing players like Christian Eriksen, Rafael van der Vaart, and Luis Suárez.
However, the club’s investment hasn’t translated into consistent on-field success. The lack of a clear playing style and consistent team selection continues to hinder performance.
