Amsterdam, Netherlands – Ajax has faced a significant setback as the football federation has rejected their last-minute signing of Ghanaian winger Kamaldeen Sulemana. The news came as a blow to the Dutch giants, who were hoping to bolster their squad ahead of the UEFA Europa League and the domestic Eredivisie season.
Background on the Transfer
The transfer agreement between Ajax and Southampton for Sulemana was a loan deal with an option to buy for 20 million euros. The move was intended to fill the void left by the departure of Steven Bergwijn and Carlos Forbs, who were sold to Al-Ittihad and Wolverhampton Wanderers, respectively, earlier in the transfer window. With young left winger Mika Godts as the only remaining left-winger on the squad, Ajax was in dire need of additional depth.
FIFA’s Decision
Despite initially believing that the transfer paperwork was submitted in time, Ajax received a disappointing message from FIFA on Wednesday. The international football federation ruled that the transfer had not been approved, as the paperwork was submitted too late for the deadline. Dutch clubs had until midnight on Monday, September 2, to finalize transfers.
In a statement, Ajax expressed their disappointment but acknowledged the decision. Ajax has just heard from FIFA that the transfer has not been approved. This is a disappointment, but we understand the decision, the club said.
Free Agent Market Speculation
With the transfer window now closed, Ajax will need to look elsewhere for a left winger. Rumors are swirling that the club might turn to the free agent market, which includes several high-profile players such as former Manchester United forward Anthony Martial, former German and Italian league winner Ivan Perisic, and former PEC Zwolle winger Younes Namli, who Ajax had been linked with last summer.
Impact on the Team
The rejection of Sulemana’s transfer could have significant implications for Ajax’s season. The club has already qualified for the league phase of the UEFA Europa League, meaning they will participate in at least eight matches in that competition, in addition to their Eredivisie fixtures. The need for a strong left winger has become even more pressing as the club looks to maintain their form and possibly secure a deeper run in the Europa League.
Conclusion
Ajax’s disappointment over the rejected transfer of Kamaldeen Sulemana serves as a stark reminder of the complexities involved in football transfers. While the club will continue to search for a suitable replacement in the free agent market, the timing of this setback could prove costly in the coming months. The Dutch giants will now need to adapt and find a solution to fill the void left by the absence of Sulemana, as they aim to compete at the highest level in both domestic and European competitions.
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