Ajax head into the 2025/26 campaign eager to prove they still belong among Europe’s elite. After an eventful 2024/25 season where they let a nine-point lead in the Eredivisie slip to PSV Eindhoven and exited the Europa League in the Round of 16, there’s optimism and urgency to right a few wrongs.
Having finished second in the Dutch top flight last term, Ajax have qualified for the Champions League. It’s the biggest stage of them all, and under new manager Johnny Heitinga, they will be keen to hold their own.
A New Yet Familiar Direction Under Heitinga
Ajax have turned to a known figure to stabilise the club. Heitinga, who previously managed the side briefly in 2023, brings continuity and an understanding of the Ajax philosophy. While his prior stint was short-lived, he now has more experience under his belt as a coach.
Last season’s meltdown has forced Ajaz to reflect and retool. Francesco Farioli’s tactical approach brought possession-based football back to the Johan Cryuff Arena, but inconsistency, defensive errors, and a lack of leadership cost them dearly. Heitinga inherits a squad brimming with technical talent but a group in need of mental resilience for Europe’s biggest stage.
Strengthening in Key Areas
Over the past year or so, Ajax have made several strategic moves in the transfer market. Veteran striker Wout Weghorst returned to Dutch football and added experience to the front line. Bertrand Traore was re-signed to inject creativity and depth, while Day Klaasen brought leadership back to midfield.
The club has also managed to trim its roster too, with it likely there will be more trust placed in young players moving forwards. Academy talents could supplement Ajax’s squad for the Champions League, which will aid their development.
Ajax’s attack will likely revolve around Brian Brobbey, who has been a consistent goalscorer. If the club is to hold its own in Europe, Brobbey will have to deliver the goods.
Realistic European Expectations
Ajax fans are justified in dreaming of another memorable European run, but expectations must be managed. They’ve not appeared in a European final since 2017, and since then, progress has been uneven and there’s been a lack of consistency all round.
The 2025/26 Champions League will feature the biggest and best teams on the planet. So, it’s always going to challenge for Ajax when coming up against these money-laden and hugely successful clubs of recent times. However, if Heitinga can get it right, instil the club’s identity and philosophy, and inspire his squad, there’s no reason why they can’t hold their own and perhaps surpass expectations.
Fans of the club can check out the best odds at major sportsbooks or pass the time until the season begins with football promo offers on both their betting portals and even their football-focussed online casino games. This partly due to the fact that Ajax are considered as rank outsiders where the Champions League is concerned, so it’s probably best to see what the summer holds before placing any long term bets on the Dutch giants upsetting the current odds.
Conclusion
Ajax are highly unlikely to waltz through Europe this season. Nobody, not even their own fans, expects that to be the case. But under Johnny Heitinga’s leadership, and with a hungry squad keen to become the dominant force they once were, a good run isn’t out of the question. The key will be consistency, and being consistent on multiple fronts throughout the season.