Eredivisie End of Season Review: Ajax

Ajax suffered a dramatic collapse in the Eredivisie title race. Needing just seven points from their final five games, they went winless in four matches, squandering a nine-point lead. PSV capitalized by winning all twelve available points to go top heading into the final day. Costly results for Ajax included a poor second-half performance against NEC and conceding a 99th-minute equalizer at Groningen. Although Ajax won their final match against Twente, PSV also won, securing the title and leaving Ajax heartbroken.

This collapse, considered one of the greatest in Eredivisie history, led to head coach Francesco Farioli leaving after one season. It continues Ajax's struggle to replicate past success since Erik ten Hag's departure. Despite the disappointment, the season marked progress as Ajax finished second (their highest since 2022) and secured Champions League qualification for the next season. However, the nature of the collapse overshadows these positives in Amsterdam.

Ajax's performances in other competitions were also disappointing. They were eliminated from the Europa League in the Round of 16 by Eintracht Frankfurt and exited the KNVB Cup at the same stage against AZ Alkmaar.

Senior players like Jordan Henderson, Remko Pasveer, and Davy Klaassen performed well and provided leadership. Kenneth Taylor emerged as fundamental, missing only one league game and being voted Fans' Player of the Year. He developed into one of the league's top midfielders, contributing 15 goals domestically and scoring important goals in the Europa League. Jorrel Hato, aged 19, was a consistent presence in defense, starting 30 league games. Playing primarily at left-back (with some time at center-back), he contributed 2 goals and 6 assists, showing remarkable maturity.

Following Farioli's departure, Ajax urgently needs to appoint a new manager capable of competing with PSV and Feyenoord. The club also faces potential significant player departures, with Jorrel Hato linked to Chelsea, Liverpool, and Arsenal, and reports suggesting Brian Brobbey and Kenneth Taylor could also leave. Regarding new signings, Ajax holds an option to buy goalkeeper Matheus after his loan. Midfield reinforcements are necessary due to the age of Henderson and Klaassen (though Klaassen and Pasveer are in contract talks). Paxten Aaronson (on loan at Utrecht) and AZ's Sven Mijnans are potential targets. Attacking signings are needed, though no targets are currently linked. If Hato departs, Ajax will need to replace him effectively, likely through promoting youth and smart recruitment.