The season is effectively over for Ajax after a disappointing Champions League exit that basically sums up the club’s campaign in its entirety.
Going into the home clash with Olympiakos, there was a glimmer of hope that a win plus other results being advantageous, might result in the club sneaking into an unlikely play-off place.
Olympiacos 𝐊𝐍𝐎𝐂𝐊 𝐎𝐔𝐓 Ajax 🏛️ pic.twitter.com/VFYna8LiqU
— 433 (@433) January 28, 2026
As it was, the Greek side instead, booked their place in the play-offs with a 2-1 win as any hopes of a revival came to an end.
What Now For Ajax?
All of the focus needs to go on claiming second-place in the Eredivisie having closed the gap to just two points behind Feyenoord. However, with fourth-place NEC Breda who are just two points behind them, having a game in hand, this could be easier said than done.
Barring first place, which PSV Eindhoven have effectively taken for themselves, it is tight up there and it will be a scrap right up until the end of the season, however, it is achievable.
It requires absolute focus. Anything less than a second-place finish is a failure, despite interim boss Fred Grim having done reasonably well to put the fires out following John Heitinga’s dismissal in early November.
Finishing in second place will see the club qualify for the Champions League, without having to go through a qualifying round, compared to if they finish in third.
PSV have been exceptional this season, so to finish second to them, when considering how Ajax started the season and the poor run of form they were in – effectively not being able to even buy a win under Heitinga, would be a very respectable achievement.
Under normal circumstances, you would expect the club to at least reach the final of the KNVB Cup, though they were demolished by AZ Alkmaar in the second round.
The Future Looks Bright With Top Youth Talent
Many Ajax fans no doubt look back fondly on the side that reached the Champions League semi-finals back in the 2018/19 season, only to narrowly lose to Tottenham. A side, no less, that was littered with young, homegrown talent, including Matthijs De Ligt, Frenkie De Jong and Davy Klassen.
Repeating that, or at least getting to that level again anytime soon is likely to take at least two years, though there are some very good players coming through in the youth side.
Indeed, there are high hopes for the likes’ of teenager Tijn Peters who could be the ‘next De Jong’, while a possible heir to De Ligt could be Dies Janse (similar age).
A club that has embodied the ‘Total Football’ philosophy and, indeed, who were pioneers of this under legend, Johan Cruyff, will be looking to bring a similar style back some time soon and it is in the youth team where they should look to do this.
Right now, a repeat of their Champions League exploits a few years ago looks unlikely, however, once the club settles on the matter of a permanent manager and brings about stability, we should see progress.