Ajax is having a very eventful transfer window. The Amsterdam club pulled off a coup last week with the signing of Julian Brandt, is very close to securing – yes, for real this time – his compatriot Marc-André ter Stegen, whilst a new ‘number 6’ is also high on their wish list. At the same time, a mega-transfer for Mika Godts to Paris Saint-Germain is on the cards. In *Tekengeld*, Ajax watcher Cristian Willaert explains the club’s financial situation, the approach taken by technical director Jordi Cruijff, and the current state of affairs in the transfer market. According to Willaert, Ajax’s financial situation has changed significantly in a short space of time. Revenue from the Champions League, the cost-cutting measures implemented and a revised salary structure mean that Cruijff will be able to operate much more decisively this summer than his predecessors. “In the past, it was often the case that if Ajax sold a player for 100 million, around 40 million could be reinvested,” explains Willaert. “Due to cost-cutting measures and lower wage costs, the situation is now very different. A much larger proportion of transfer revenue can now be reinvested in the squad.” He also praises Cruijff’s creative approach. “You could almost call him ‘Jordi Netto’,” says Willaert with a wink. “He’s signed a lot of players without a transfer fee or through arrangements that keep the risk to a minimum.” As examples, he cites Tolu Arokodare’s loan deal – under which Ajax has an option to buy – and the situation surrounding Ter Stegen. “In principle, you can send him back after a year. These are clever arrangements that allow Ajax to bring in quality players without immediately taking on huge financial risks,” says the ESPN reporter. According to Willaert, Ter Stegen’s arrival is only a matter of time. Although the transfer has still not been officially finalised and the saga has been dragging on for weeks, the club is certainly counting on him joining. “Ter Stegen’s move isn’t quite finalised yet, but within Ajax they’re already talking about him as if he’s already there,” says the club insider. “I’d be very surprised if this didn’t go ahead. I’ve been saying that for three weeks now, and he’s already in the Netherlands.” However, Ajax is not yet done in the transfer market. Manager Míchel himself recently stated that, in addition to a goalkeeper, a defensive midfielder is also needed. “He mentioned the goalkeeper and a ‘number 6’ as the two key positions that still need to be filled,” says Willaert. “Youri Regeer is actually the only true ‘6’ Ajax currently has. The coaching staff do not regard Jorthy Mokio as a defensive midfielder. So we need someone else to fill that role.” According to Willaert, whether Ajax can invest further after signing Ter Stegen and a defensive midfielder also depends on one potential outgoing transfer: that of Mika Godts to Paris Saint-Germain. The Belgian winger looks set to make the move to the reigning Champions League winners, and according to Willaert, a transfer fee of at least sixty million euros is a possibility. “I reckon at least sixty million,” he says. “He’s still got three years left on his contract and is only 21 years old. So Ajax doesn’t need to sell him at all. They could keep him for another year, and he might even increase in value even further.” Nevertheless, Willaert realises that the club will face a difficult decision if PSG do indeed come knocking with a massive bid. “We saw that with Antony at the time, too. At some point, such a huge sum comes along that you have to ask yourself whether it’s responsible to keep saying ‘no’. A player might get injured or be disappointed if a dream transfer falls through.” However, according to Willaert, it is precisely because Ajax is not under financial pressure that the club can negotiate from a position of strength. “That’s the great position Ajax finds itself in. Against Paris Saint-Germain, you can simply say: we don’t need to sell him.”   submitted by   /u/Roller95 [link]   [comments]