Ajax’s new Brazilian ‘cheetah’ fuels debate ahead of Vojvodina clash

The night before Ajax’s Conference League match against FK Vojvodina, the Amsterdam stadium buzzed with speculation over the club’s €19 million investment in Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo, fresh from Al‑Hilal. Presenter Sam van Royen of noted Leonardo had played only one half against Burnley on Sunday, adding, “Hij heeft zondag één helft gespeeld tegen Burnley afgelopen weekend. Ik was in het stadion en kon er niet heel veel van zeggen. Het viel mij alleen op dat hij niet heel erg snel was.”

Earlier in the transfer window Ajax spent more than nineteen million euros to secure Marcos Leonardo from Al‑Hilal, a deal highlighted by the club’s ambition to reinforce its attack.

Technical director Jan van Halst described Leonardo as a “jachtluipaard” in the Braziliaan, saying the forward has a natural instinct for goal and can dominate the sixteen‑meter area like a cheetah.

Ajax unveil giant striker Tolu Arokodare before Vojvodina tie

Van Halst compared Leonardo’s style to old Benfica footage, stressing that the player must first learn to operate inside the opponent’s sixteen‑meter zone before becoming a profitable asset for Ajax.

The analyst also questioned whether Mika Godts should adapt his game to let the newcomer shine, recalling a recent 1‑3 loss to Vojvodina where Godts displayed a brilliant dribble, entered the six‑meter area and chose his next move, later assisting Oscar Gloukh – a play Van Halst called “goud voor Leonardo”.

Turning to another recent signing, Van Halst praised Tolu Arokodare, calling him “een beest!” and noting his value when playing deeper, where he can occupy two defenders and create opportunistic chances.

As Ajax prepares for the Conference League‑wedstrijd, the blend of high‑priced signings and emerging talents will test the club’s ability to translate investment into European success.