Sam Vreeswijk

Chris Woerts announced on De Oranjezomer that Talpa’s KIJK platform had secured worldwide broadcasting rights, excluding Switzerland, for FC Sion’s Conference League qualifying match against Ajax. The match will cost viewers €4.99 to watch and will not be part of Ziggo Sport’s usual UEFA European football package. Woerts said the rights became available for sale by the home club and that KIJK won the bidding; the announcement received a standing ovation in the studio.

Ziggo Sport announced that FC Sion’s Conference League play-off match against Ajax on 20 August 2026 will not be broadcast for free because the fixture falls outside its European football broadcasting rights. Viewers can instead watch on KIJK by purchasing a one-off €4.99 ticket. The return match at Amsterdam’s Johan Cruijff Arena on 27 August will be shown free on Ziggo Sport, but Ajax supporters reacted angrily to the decision and criticized the broadcaster online.

De Volkskrant journalist Willem Vissers and analyst Kenneth Perez criticize Ajax coach Míchel Sánchez for conducting press conferences in English despite his limited command of the language. They argue that Sánchez should speak Spanish with an interpreter so he can explain himself more clearly and journalists can understand his answers. Both acknowledge that he may be a good coach but describe the current press conferences as difficult and uncomfortable to watch.

Feyenoord have signed 24-year-old Spanish left-back Javi López from Real Sociedad on a season-long loan with an option to buy. López, who will wear the number 16 shirt, expressed his ambition to contribute immediately to the Rotterdam club. He previously spent a regular season on loan at Real Oviedo and has made 38 first-team appearances for Real Sociedad. The move addresses Feyenoord’s shortage at left-back caused by injuries to Jordan Bos and Gijs Smal, with Mika Mármol and youth player Tijme Wessels other available options.

Lazio were eliminated from the Coppa Italia after a humiliating 0-2 home defeat to Serie B club Mantova, with Francesco Ruocco and Ismael Cajazzo scoring. Italian newspapers heavily criticized Lazio starters Danilho Doekhi and Kenneth Taylor, awarding them low ratings for defensive lapses, weak involvement and poor form. Taylor was described as lacking motivation and vision, while Doekhi was accused of looking rusty and struggling under pressure.

Lazio were eliminated from the Coppa Italia after a 0–2 home defeat to Serie B side Mantova. Italian newspapers heavily criticized defenders Danilho Doekhi and midfielder Kenneth Taylor, giving them low ratings for defensive errors, limited involvement and poor form. Taylor was described as appearing unmotivated and lacking vision, while Doekhi was faulted for losing track of Francesco Ruocco and struggling under pressure.

Ajax are set to receive up to €55 million from Mika Godts' transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, but approximately €5.5 million will go to KRC Genk through a sell-on clause agreed when Ajax signed the forward for €1 million in January 2023. Godts developed at Genk after joining from RSC Anderlecht, made 115 official appearances for Ajax and scored 26 goals, and was named the Eredivisie's Johan Cruyff Talent of the Year for the 2025/26 season.

EA Sports has revealed the key FC27 player ratings, with Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland sharing the highest score of 91. Lionel Messi’s rating rose from 86 in FC26 to 89 at age 39, prompting sharply divided fan reactions: some called the rating extraordinary, while others argued it was inflated. Mohamed Salah fell out of the top 27 after previously sharing the top spot, while Virgil van Dijk remains the highest-rated Dutch player at 88. FC27 is scheduled for release on 25 September.

ESPN analyst Arnold Bruggink sharply criticised Ajax left-back Caio Henrique after the club’s 2-2 draw with SC Heerenveen, arguing that Henrique lacks pace and energy and could be targeted by opponents. Bruggink also said Henrique’s positioning interfered with Oscar Gloukh’s crossing opportunity. He suggested Owen Wijndal may be a better fit because of his ability to provide energy, cover ground and maintain tempo, while acknowledging questions about Wijndal’s overall quality for Ajax.

Ajax surrendered a 2-0 lead against SC Heerenveen at the Johan Cruijff ArenA to draw 2-2, dropping points for the first time this Eredivisie season. An own goal by Bernt Klaverboer and a long-range strike from Abdellah Ouazane put Ajax ahead, but Jacob Trenskow reduced the deficit before half-time and Maxence Rivera equalised with 10 minutes remaining. Heerenveen finished the stronger side but could not find a winner, leaving Ajax fifth and Heerenveen provisionally seventh.

Feyenoord right-back Givairo Read said his thigh felt stiff after being substituted during the 2-2 draw with Go Ahead Eagles, but indicated that the injury did not appear serious. Read also criticized Feyenoord’s failure to finish the match after building a 2-0 halftime lead, with Go Ahead Eagles recovering through goals from Søren Tengstedt and Stefán Ingi Sigurdarson.

Feyenoord right-back Givairo Read said his thigh feels stiff but indicated after the 2-2 draw with Go Ahead Eagles that the injury does not appear serious. Read was replaced by Jordan Lotomba after going down in the second half. He also criticized Feyenoord's failure to finish the game after taking a 2-0 halftime lead, with Go Ahead Eagles responding through goals from Søren Tengstedt and Stefán Ingi Sigurdarson.

Joey Veerman is set to move from PSV Eindhoven to Borussia Dortmund for approximately €22 million after Dortmund triggered the midfielder’s release clause. The 27-year-old is scheduled to undergo a medical on Monday and, if successful, will sign a contract running until mid-2031. Veerman has reportedly wanted a major transfer for several seasons, having previously seen a move to Fenerbahçe collapse, and has won multiple Dutch league titles, KNVB Cups and Johan Cruyff Shields with PSV since joining in January 2022.

FC Groningen defeated ADO Den Haag 4-1 away from home to make it two wins from two in the Eredivisie and move provisionally into second place. Thom van Bergen, Brynjólfur Willumsson and David van der Werff gave Groningen a 3-0 half-time lead, while Yannick Eduardo briefly pulled one back for ADO. Substitute Nils Eggens restored Groningen’s three-goal advantage late in the match. ADO remain without a point after two games, while Groningen face PSV Eindhoven next.

Joël Piroe’s agent, Theo Roebbers, says Ajax and several other clubs explored signing the Leeds United striker but rejected the asking price. West Ham United offered £15 million, while Leeds sought £20 million after initially valuing him at £16 million. The clubs have reportedly agreed on a loan for next season, with West Ham obliged to sign Piroe permanently if promoted.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst makes one change to Feyenoord’s starting lineup for the home Eredivisie match against Go Ahead Eagles, bringing the recovered Tsuyoshi Watanabe in for Thijs Kraaijeveld at centre-back. Tjark Ernst remains in goal, while the midfield and attack are unchanged. Feyenoord began the season with a 0–1 win over Sparta Rotterdam, and Go Ahead Eagles opened with a 4–1 victory over Willem II.

West Ham United have reportedly switched their attention from AZ Alkmaar striker Troy Parrott to Leeds United forward Joël Piroe. The clubs are in advanced talks over a loan deal with an option to buy that would become mandatory if West Ham win promotion to the Premier League. Leeds previously sought up to £20 million for Piroe, while West Ham had offered £15 million. The move would temporarily end West Ham's interest in Parrott, for whom they were reportedly prepared to pay around €30 million.

Ajax advanced to the UEFA Conference League play-offs after drawing 2-2 away to Shelbourne, progressing 5-3 on aggregate following a 3-1 first-leg victory. Julian Brandt and Anton Gaaei scored for Ajax, while Evan Caffrey and Sean Moore equalized for Shelbourne. Ajax were heavily pressured in the second half and were fortunate to avoid conceding more, but will face FC Sion in the play-offs on August 20 and 27, with the first leg in Switzerland.

Lutsharel Geertruida posted an Instagram Story showing a black screen and an hourglass, prompting speculation about a possible transfer. The defender has been linked with Ajax, PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord; Ajax reportedly enquired about a loan from RB Leipzig, while Geertruida is said to have a personal agreement with PSV. The meaning of the post remains unclear, following an earlier cryptic UNO reverse card post that sparked theories about his next club.

Al-Hilal has reportedly made a verbal €130 million offer to Galatasaray for Victor Osimhen, but the Turkish club has rejected the approach and does not intend to negotiate. The Saudi club’s interest follows Marcos Leonardo’s move to Ajax for just under €20 million. Osimhen joined Galatasaray permanently from Napoli for €75 million last year and is under contract until mid-2029.

Al-Hilal reportedly made a verbal bid of up to €130 million for Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen through an intermediary. Galatasaray rejected the approach and does not intend to negotiate. The Saudi club's interest is linked to Marcos Leonardo's departure for Ajax. Osimhen, who previously spent a season on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, joined the Turkish club permanently for €75 million and is contracted until mid-2029.

Al-Hilal have reportedly made a verbal €130 million bid for Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, but Galatasaray have rejected the approach and do not intend to negotiate. The Saudi club’s interest follows Marcos Leonardo’s move to Ajax; Leonardo had scored 48 goals in 82 official matches for Al-Hilal. Osimhen joined Galatasaray permanently from Napoli for €75 million and is contracted through mid-2029.

Ajax fans complained on X that Shelbourne goalkeeper Eddie Beach’s mint-green shirt looked too similar to Ajax’s light-blue third kit during the Conference League qualifying match in Dublin. Ajax entered the second leg with a 3–1 first-leg advantage, with the tie winner advancing to the play-offs.

Ajax began the Eredivisie season with a 2–0 victory away to PEC Zwolle, but Kenneth Perez criticized the team for failing to control the game after Zwolle were reduced to nine players. He argued that Ajax should have dominated possession and created a routine win, while noting that the decisive goals came only after Zwolle lost the ball in midfield. Jorthy Mokio and Julian Brandt scored in the 76th minute and stoppage time respectively.

Rafael van der Vaart says Mika Godts appears fitter and sharper after a strong summer of training, and believes the Ajax winger deserves a move to Paris Saint-Germain. Godts reportedly has agreed personal terms with PSG, although the clubs still need to negotiate a transfer fee. Van der Vaart rejected Godts’s explanation that he was left out of Ajax’s starting lineup against PEC Zwolle because he was not fully fit, but praised his improved decisions on the ball and predicted that the transfer will be completed.

Rafael van der Vaart says Mika Godts appears fitter and more focused after a strong summer of training, praising his improved decision-making and continued attacking threat for Ajax. Van der Vaart doubts Godts’s explanation that he was left out of Ajax’s starting lineup against PEC Zwolle because he was not fully fit, suggesting the player may be preparing for a transfer. Godts has reportedly agreed personal terms with Paris Saint-Germain, while Ajax and PSG still need to reach a deal.

Arnold Bruggink predicts that KNVB director Nigel de Jong will appoint an unexpected foreign coach as Ronald Koeman’s successor, rather than the frequently mentioned Michael Reiziger or Louis van Gaal. Ronald Waterreus criticizes the month-long delay but acknowledges that the lack of leaks could indicate a major surprise appointment.

PSV manager Peter Bosz makes five changes to the starting lineup for the Eredivisie match against Fortuna Sittard. Mauro Júnior moves to right-back, Ryan Flamingo partners Armando Obispo in central defence, Paul Wanner replaces suspended Joey Veerman, Guus Til moves into midfield, and Ruben van Bommel returns on the left wing. PSV are pursuing a fourth consecutive Dutch title but enter the match after losses to Villarreal and AZ, while Fortuna begin their ninth straight season in the top flight.

PSV manager Peter Bosz makes five changes for the Eredivisie match against Fortuna Sittard. Mauro Júnior moves to right-back, while Paul Wanner, Guus Til, Ruben van Bommel and Ricardo Pepi enter the starting XI; Joey Veerman is suspended. PSV are seeking a fourth consecutive Dutch title but arrive after a 3–1 friendly defeat to Villarreal and a 4–0 Johan Cruyff Shield loss to AZ. Fortuna finished 11th last season and are beginning their ninth straight campaign in the top flight.

PSV Eindhoven have officially signed 22-year-old Japan international midfielder Kodai Sano from NEC Nijmegen on a contract running until mid-2031. Sano will wear number 24, while PSV director of football affairs Earnest Stewart praised his dynamism, intensity, defensive midfield ability and potential. The clubs have not disclosed the fee, but reports put it at €15 million including bonuses, making Sano NEC’s record sale.

Jorge Messi, Lionel Messi’s father, has died at 68 after battling health problems, according to multiple Argentine media outlets. Lionel Messi had previously become emotional after scoring for Argentina and said his distress was unrelated to football, while his family later confirmed Jorge was under medical supervision and criticized speculation about his private condition. Messi also missed the MLS All-Star Game, reportedly to visit his father, before returning to action.

Feyenoord will be without intended first-choice centre-back Tsuyoshi Watanabe for Sunday’s Eredivisie opener against Sparta Rotterdam. Watanabe injured his collarbone area during a friendly against Atalanta and, despite improving during the week, has not recovered in time. Coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst confirmed the absence while noting that winger Gaoussou Diarra is fit enough to return to the squad.

Feyenoord defender Tsuyoshi Watanabe will miss Sunday’s Eredivisie opener away to Sparta Rotterdam after failing to recover from a collarbone-area injury sustained in a friendly against Atalanta. Manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst said Watanabe is improving but the match comes too soon. Winger Gaoussou Diarra is fit to return and could be involved.

Ajax defeated Shelbourne FC 3–1 in the first leg of their Conference League qualifying tie. Shelbourne manager John Russell praised Ajax's left winger Mika Godts, who is reportedly a possible Paris Saint-Germain target, while goalkeeper Eddie Beach was lauded for saving a penalty and making several key stops. Daniel Kelly's late goal gave Shelbourne hope ahead of the return leg in Dublin, with the winner advancing to the Conference League play-offs.

Roberto De Zerbi jokingly texted Jan Paul van Hecke “Get lost!” after Van Hecke assisted Georginio Rutter’s late equalizer for Brighton against Tottenham, a result that increased Spurs’ relegation danger last season. De Zerbi was managing Tottenham at the time, while Van Hecke remained at Brighton, but the two had previously worked together at Brighton. Tottenham ultimately survived relegation and later signed Van Hecke.

Ajax has begun referring to its new goalkeeper as Marc ter Stegen rather than Marc-André ter Stegen, reportedly at the German goalkeeper’s request. The 34-year-old joined Ajax on loan from FC Barcelona for the season. The club is also adopting Míchel Sánchez as its coach’s formal name, using Míchel thereafter.

Rangers have made an opening multimillion-euro bid for PSV forward Couhaib Driouech, but PSV rejected the offer without disclosing its value. PSV reportedly want €7 million to €8 million for the 24-year-old Morocco international, whose contract runs until mid-2029. Rangers are expected to return with an improved bid, while Red Bull Salzburg and Burnley are also interested. Driouech joined PSV from Excelsior for about €3.5 million in 2024 and has since recorded 12 goals and 10 assists in 61 appearances.

Rangers have made and PSV Eindhoven have rejected a multi-million-euro opening bid for 24-year-old Morocco international Couhaib Driouech. PSV reportedly want approximately €7 million to €8 million for the forward, who is under contract until mid-2029 and is also attracting interest from Red Bull Salzburg and Burnley. Driouech joined PSV from Excelsior in 2024 for around €3.5 million and has since made 61 appearances, scoring 12 goals and providing 10 assists.

Ajax are negotiating a loan deal for 19-year-old Barcelona left-back Jofre Torrents that would include an option to buy him permanently after the season. Torrents is expected to provide competition or cover for Caio Henrique, although Owen Wijndal's possible departure could increase his role; otherwise, he may primarily play for Jong Ajax. Barcelona rate Torrents highly and recently extended his contract to 2028, but see a season away from Catalonia as valuable because Alejandro Balde, Gerard Martín and a possible João Cancelo arrival limit his first-team opportunities.