Brandt Bolsters Ajax
Ajax secures Germany international Julian Brandt on free transfer to bolster ongoing rebuild project.
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Key Points
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Brandt recorded 50 Bundesliga assists during his Dortmund years and created 265 open-play chances, ranking fourth for assists and third for chances created in the league in that period.
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Leeds United reportedly led the chase for Brandt and even offered him a three-year deal before he opted for Ajax.
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Internationally, Brandt has earned 48 caps for Germany, underscoring his wealth of experience at the highest level.
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Ajax are rebuilding under sporting director Jordi Cruyff after a disappointing 2025/26 season (fifth in the Eredivisie), aiming to return to the top with a blend of experienced internationals and younger talents.
Ajax have signed Julian Brandt on a three-year deal running until 2029, making the German playmaker their fifth summer signing. Yahoo Sports confirmed the 30-year-old joined on a free transfer after Borussia Dortmund let his contract expire.
Brandt had drawn serious interest from Premier League clubs including Leeds United and Fulham. He chose Amsterdam instead, joining Ajax's push to rebuild after a difficult 2025/26 season that saw them finish fifth in the Eredivisie.
Seven Years at Dortmund Built a Proven Creator
Brandt spent seven years at Borussia Dortmund, making 307 appearances. He scored 57 goals and added 65 assists across all competitions. In the Bundesliga alone, he racked up 50 assists and created 265 open-play chances. That ranked him fourth for assists and third for chances created in the league during that period.
He also earned 48 caps for Germany, giving him experience at the highest level of international football. Get Football News Bene noted that Ajax see him as a player who brings both quality and leadership to a squad in transition.
Leeds Made Their Move — Brandt Picked Ajax Instead
Leeds United reportedly led the chase for Brandt and offered him a three-year deal of their own. Fulham were also in the running. But Brandt turned down the Premier League to join Ajax's project in Amsterdam.
Sporting director Jordi Cruyff said Brandt's arrival adds "top-level experience, quality and leadership" to the squad. Brandt himself was described as enthusiastic about the move, according to Get Football News Bene.
Ajax Are Building a Squad to Challenge Again
Ajax finished fifth in the Eredivisie last season — a major disappointment for one of Europe's most storied clubs. The club has now made five signings this summer as part of a clear rebuilding plan.
Brandt joins Daley Blind, Caio Henrique, Marcos Leonardo and Tolu Arokodare in Amsterdam. The mix of experienced internationals and new talent signals that Ajax are serious about returning to the top of Dutch football, according to Yahoo Sports.
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