Pre-season has come to an end for Ajax. Míchel Sánchez's side secured a 1-3 victory away to FC Volendam. Anton Gaaei opened the scoring before Ajax's new strikers took centre stage. Marcos Leonardo found the net from the penalty spot before half-time, while Tolu added the third goal in the closing stages. It marked the first Ajax goal for both forwards.
Ajax surprised many on Friday evening with the arrival of Julian Brandt. The German, who was available on a free agent after seven seasons at Borussia Dortmund, has signed a three-year contract. "The surprise may have been bigger for you than for me, but the past few days have been exciting. I’m happy to be here now."
Ajax will face Shelbourne FC in the third preliminary round of the UEFA Conference League. The fixture was confirmed on Thursday evening after Ajax overcame FK Vojvodina over two legs. The matches against the Irish side will be played on August 6 and 13, 2026, with Ajax hosting the first leg.
Ajax also defeated FK Vojvodina 4-1 at home in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League. The score was level at 1-1 at half-time, but Oscar Gloukh took centre stage after the break, scoring a hat-trick. Ajax will face Irish side Shelbourne FC in the third qualifying round.