Revealed: Ajax Tried To Sign Former AZ Alkmaar Winger Before Signing Simon Adingra
· Yahoo Sports
Ajax sold Mika Godts to Paris Saint-Germain in the summer for a fee that could reportedly rise to €55 million if all bonuses are achieved.
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After selling Godts, Ajax spent weeks trying to sign a replacement for the Belgian winger. Noa Lang was reportedly at the top of Jordi Cruijff's list of targets, but Napoli's asking price, which was said to be in excess of €20 million, meant that Ajax decided not to push ahead with a deal for the former PSV Eindhoven winger.
Ajax were also linked to Brian Rodriguez from Club America, and according to various reports, even made an offer for the Uruguayan winger. However, the Mexican club turned down the offer after convincing the winger to stay.
Porto's Borja Sainz was another player Ajax considered. Ajax reportedly made an offer for Sainz, but the Portuguese club rejected the bid.
In the end, Ajax completed a deal to sign Simon Adingra on loan on deadline day from Premier League outfit Sunderland. Ajax also have the option to sign the Ivorian winger on a permanent deal next summer for €16 million.
Ajax wanted Van BrederodeAnother left winger Ajax reportedly looked at signing was Myron van Brederode. The Dutch winger moved to Belgian club KV Mechelen in 2025 on a permanent transfer from AZ Alkmaar after having spent a year on loan at Fortuna Düsseldorf.
Speaking to Het Gazet van Antwerpen, Van Brederode revealed that Ajax held talks to sign him in the summer.
"With Ajax, it was concrete, but the clubs couldn't agree on the amount," Van Brederode said.
"It is a shame that you ultimately can't take a step forward when things are right financially and sportively.
"I have always been honest about that: if the right club comes along and the whole picture is right, I would go. The clubs I saw and that called me were good. However, they didn't want to pay ten million euros.
"I also think that KV wasn't that keen to sell me. They stuck to the asking price."
Adingra is the perfect signingWhile Van Brederode is a good player, Adingra is a fantastic addition to Michel Sanchez's squad. He has Premier League experience, and while his 2025/26 season did not go the way he would have probably envisioned at the start, the fact that Ajax have signed him on loan with a buy option means it's a low-risk signing with a high-potential upside.
Adingra spent the 2022/23 season on loan at Belgian side Union St. Gillloise, where he scored 14 goals and registered 13 assists in 51 appearances in all competitions. He had a turbulent time in the Premier League at Brighton and Hove Albion and Sunderland, but clearly has a lot of potential. If he can get back to the level he was at during his time in Belgium, he will certainly become a crucial player for Michel.
In addition to Adingra, Ajax have a few other quality players who can play on the left wing. Oscar Gloukh showed against Willem II how effective he can be on the left wing, and Abdellah Ouazane, who is a hugely talented player, can also play there. Oliver Edvardsen can play there, too. While Godts' departure was not ideal, Ajax now have enough quality on the left wing to help replace him.