How Jordi Cruyff hails the surprising Brandt transfer

Ajax Amsterdam's Technical Director Jordi Cruyff expressed enthusiasm about the transfer of former BVB star Julian Brandt, who surprisingly joined Ajax Amsterdam in the summer and was discussed in detail in a Ziggo Sport broadcast. He emphasized that not only the playing quality, but also the manner of the finish sparked a special pride.

Jordi Cruyff is thrilled with the signing of Julian Brandt. The former professional is pleased not only with the playing quality of the German newcomer, but also with the way his signing materialised in the summer.

In the TV programme he was asked which transfer made him especially proud this season. At first he dodged the question and said: “When I talk about a player, I practically conceal the others. I don’t find that appropriate.” Shortly afterwards he enthused: “But what really made me happy was Brandt. How it happened! No one knew anything. Absolutely no one!”

He then drove across the border to Germany by car to persuade Brandt to join the record‑champion of the Eredivisie on a free transfer and succeeded. The official completion notice was issued on a Friday, which he called the dot on the i. He considered it especially important that the transfer remained secret from the public.

Surprising Transfer and Contract Details

The move of Brandt to Ajax was one of the most surprising transfers of the season. Early on it was clear that the 48‑time German international, who scored three goals for the DFB, would leave his long‑time employer BVB with his contract expiring. After his contract ended, Brandt took his time choosing his new club, while rumours linked him with clubs from Italy, Spain and England. Up until 31 July, the day of the official announcement, nothing was heard from Ajax.

Brandt signed a contract that runs until 2029. Sportingly, things are going very well for him in Amsterdam; he is an absolute regular starter and a key performer under head coach Michel.

Brandt's Season Start and Injury

After seventeen league matches he has eight goals and two assists. Over the weekend he was injured in the 1‑0 win against Alkmaar, without any involvement from an opponent, and now initially faces the prospect of missing games. Ajax, which in the summer also signed Marc‑Andre ter Stegen, Thilo Kehrer and the €19.5 million striker Marcos Leonardo alongside Brandt, has been unbeaten in seven games and has reached second place in the table. The gap to arch‑rival Feyenoord at the top of the table is one point.