Ajax complete preparations for first reinforcement after Jordi Cruyff joins

historic ajax He needs reinforcements to restart what has been a disappointing season so far and is looking to complete a deal on the winter market. This is Ukraine’s left-back. Oleksandr Zinchenho The 29-year-old will arrive in Amsterdam on loan from Amsterdam. arsenal, According to Dutch media.

Zinchenko is due to travel to Amsterdam in the coming hours for a medical check, marking his first signing since announcing his arrival at Ajax. Jordi Cruyff becomes technical director.

interim director fred grimm After being laid off in early November, John Heitinga Four-time European champions Ajax sit third in the Eredivisie, 18 points behind leaders PSV, but were knocked out in the round of 16 of the Dutch Cup last Wednesday after conceding a goal. Humiliating 6-0 against AZ Alkmaar They are second from bottom in the Champions League with just three points from six games. Visit Villarreal on Tuesday virtually eliminated.

Faced with this situation, Ajax are desperately in need of reinforcements in their squad in order to at least take second place in the Eredivisie and save their season. Now in the hands of Feyenoord2 more points. A runner-up finish guarantees direct access to the Champions League competition. On the other hand, if you finish in 3rd place, you will compete in the qualifying stage.

From Premier to Ajax

Zinkenko He is on loan at Nottingham. He has only made 10 appearances since last summer, and although final details have not been revealed, Ajax have already reached an agreement with Arsenal that will see him move on loan to the Johan Cruyff Arena for the second half of the season.

Zinkenko Contract with Arsenal ends on June 30th And Ajax have not ruled out hiring him permanently. The Ukrainian international can play as both a left-back and a midfielder, two positions the Dutch club would like to strengthen with the acquisition of an experienced player like him.

Other reinforcements for the young team

Signing another veteran player would satisfy the board’s desire to help a youth-heavy team face this delicate situation. Ajax has already entered the winter market Maximilian Ibrahimovic19-year-old winger, son of a legend Zlatan Currently on loan from Milan. He already signed in mid-December Takehiro Tomiyasuthe 27-year-old Japanese defender had left the team after ending his contract with Arsenal last summer.

Zinchenko is already familiar with the Eredivisie. Previously Spent one season on loan at PSV from 2016 to 2017. In the case of Manchester City. He moved from Etihad to Arsenal in 2022.

With City he won the Premier League four times, the FA Cup once, the League Cup four times and the Community Shield once.