Al-Hilal under fire: Ajax's twenty‑million‑euro blunder shocks Eredivisie

Ajax transferred twenty million euros to Al‑Hilal this summer for the 23‑year‑old Brazilian Marcos Leonardo, a transfer that briefly shook the Eredivisie and is now being labeled as an expensive failure, with few playing minutes and critical reactions from former player Wim Kieft and analyst Kenneth Pérez.

Financial boost and unexpected costs

Jordi Cruijff, technical director of Ajax, stated that the club initially had no budget for major signings. However, a sum of twenty million euros suddenly appeared, possibly via a sponsor or external investor, to fund the deal with Al‑Hilal. The payment came from the Saudi Pro League, giving Ajax an unexpected financial boost.

On‑field problems and public outrage

Upon arrival, coach Míchel Sánchez concluded within a few minutes that the Brazilian was not fit enough to start immediately. He indicated that Leonardo would need time to become match‑ready, but in Amsterdam that time quickly ran out. It turned out that the player was still not at the desired physical level.

In the 73rd minute, Tolu Arokodare was brought on to replace Leonardo. Wim Kieft, former Ajax player, later said: “There have been many investments made that have arrived very late. They still need to get fit, but that is no excuse.” An analysis by the coach highlighted the Brazilian’s physical lag.

Kenneth Pérez responded sharply: “Marcos Leonardo for twenty million? How do you come up with that? Look, that Tolu was hired, but I would acquire that kind of player much more.” On social media, after a 1‑1 draw against NEC, the comment rushed: “Al‑Hilal should be reported for fraud, Dolberg still stands above Marcos Leonardo on one knee.”

An Ajax fan voiced out loud: “How can it be that Marcos Leonardo is so terribly bad? With all due respect, but technically you see nothing that indicates he is a professional footballer.” Another voice added that he had already performed poorly at Benfica and that Ajax should have known this. The cynical mockery even went as far as predicting that Frans Bauer would soon bring a new episode of “Banana Split” to mock the failed purchase.