James McConnell will play on loan for Ajax this season. The midfielder of Liverpool can't wait to get started and is ready to perform in Amsterdam. In his first interview, McConnell talks about his qualities and why he has chosen Ajax as his next destination. "I didn't need any convincing."
It won’t be long before the UEFA Champions League anthem rings out again at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, with the flags waving high to the sounds of André Rieu. Europe's biggest club competition is returning to Amsterdam. On Thursday evening, the draw will take place in Monaco, and we will find out who Ajax's opponents will be in the League Phase. Because Ajax and the Champions League – that's a treasure chest full of wonderful memories.
Jorrel Hato was back in Amsterdam on Sunday and briefly back at Ajax. The nineteen-year-old defender, who moved to Chelsea last month, said his goodbyes to the fans and his former teammates ahead of the home match against Heracles. We looked back with Hato one more time on his time at Ajax.
For Ajax, the focus is fully on the second home match of the season, on Sunday against Heracles Almelo. Two days ahead of the Heracles visit, John Heitinga’s squad took to the training pitch, in a session that also included Josip Šutalo and Brian Brobbey. The defender and striker returned to group training after a period of injury.
His real nickname is of course Mister 1-0, but to speak in nautical terms, we could call Davy Klaassen the captain of Ajax this season. Now that the city of Amsterdam is celebrating its 750th anniversary, Ajax its 125th anniversary and SAIL has graced our Amsterdam waters for 50 years, the away kit is for once adorned with a unique emblem. And that was an excellent opportunity to go on board with our captain Davy Klaassen. A conversation with the midfielder about his role models, leadership and dreams.
On Sunday, Ajax face their second league match of the new season. The Ajax side will meet Go Ahead Eagles in Deventer. In the build-up to the visit to De Adelaarshorst, John Heitinga’s squad took to the training pitch on Friday.
John Heitinga’s squad trained in sunny conditions on Tuesday afternoon at sportcomplex de Toekomst. On Sunday afternoon, the Amsterdam side collected their first three points of the VriendenLoterij Eredivisie season with a 2–0 win over Telstar at the Johan Cruijff ArenA. New signing Ko Itakura also joined the group for the training session.
How creative are Wout Weghorst and Dies Janse? We find out during a painting session in the Italian city of Como, where the Ajax players set out to make a portrait of each other. "I have four daughters at home, so that means a lot of arts and crafts."
Ko Itakura is delighted to become the first Japanese Ajax player. "Everyone in Japan knows Ajax. I hope to play well here and make people proud," said the defender, who believes he will fit right in.
With a broad smile, brand-new Ajax player Ko Itakura enjoyed his first hours as a member of the Amsterdam-based team. We followed him from his arrival at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, to his first acquaintance with the stadium and the shirt, his medical examination, and the signing of his contract. Welcome to Amsterdam, Ko Itakura.
On Friday, Ajax trained in preparation for Sunday’s season opener against Telstar, and for Oscar Gloukh, it was a session with a special touch. The attacking midfielder took to the training pitch in Amsterdam for the first time.
Jorrel Hato departs, at the age of nineteen, for the Premier League after more than a hundred matches in Ajax 1. At Chelsea, Hato will be able to continue his incredible development. From a great talent in the youth academy to a young leader in Ajax 1. Thank you for everything, Jorrel.