Ajax Transfer Agony As Late Deal Collapses

Ajax faced a significant setback when FIFA rejected their deadline-day move for Ghanaian winger Kamaldeen Sulemana, as per Ajax Inside.

The Amsterdam club had hoped to bolster their squad with the Southampton winger, but the transfer paperwork was submitted too late, missing the international transfer deadline. Dutch clubs had until midnight on September 2 to finalize their transfers, but the delay proved costly.

In an official statement, Ajax expressed their frustration but accepted the ruling: “Ajax has just heard from FIFA that the transfer has not been approved. This is a disappointment, but we understand the decision.”

The deal with Southampton was originally structured as a loan with a €20 million purchase clause. While Ajax initially believed they had submitted the paperwork on time, it was later confirmed that this was not the case, leading to the cancellation of the transfer.

Rumours are now swirling that Ajax may be forced to turn to the free-agent market to fill the gap in their squad. High-profile names like former Manchester United forward Anthony Martial and experienced winger Ivan Perisic, who has won titles in both Germany and Italy, have been mentioned as potential targets. Another possibility is Younes Namli, a former PEC Zwolle winger whom Ajax were linked with during the summer window.

The need for reinforcements is particularly pressing given Ajax’s busy schedule. Having qualified for the league phase of the UEFA Europa League, Ajax are set to play at least eight matches in the competition in addition to their Eredivisie fixtures. The club could struggle to maintain form across multiple competitions without adequate squad depth, especially on the left wing.

As the club assesses its options, the rejected transfer reminds it of the tight margins in football’s transfer market and the impact these moments can have on a club’s season.

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This development leaves Ajax in a precarious position, particularly after offloading both of their main left-wingers earlier in the transfer window. Steven Bergwijn was sold to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, while Carlos Forbs made a move to Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers. With Sulemana’s transfer falling through, young winger Mika Godts is currently the only natural left-winger in the squad.

Ajax have had an indifferent start to this season, and another season of mediocrity will not be accepted. It’s been a tough year or two for Ajax, with a CEO suspended for insider trading, and their lowest finish in the Eredivisie since the turn of the century. This is just another blow they’re going to have to deal with.