Mid‑2027 deal and €3m value spark Ajax fans' Zidane hopes for Wijndal

Owen Wijndal, the 26‑year‑old left‑back, is tied to Ajax until mid‑2027 and valued at roughly €3 million. Under new head coach Míchel, his training‑match performance against Panathinaikos produced a viral moment on X. Fans instantly likened the elegant play to a Zidane‑style flourish. In the intra‑squad friendly, Wijndal started for Ajax, a decision that surprised many supporters. The surprise stemmed from his recent peripheral role and previous loan spells. During the drill, he executed a graceful move that shifted the ball and left his opponent helpless. Clips of the action were rapidly shared across social platforms, sparking widespread discussion.

\n\nKasper Dolberg is absent through injury as Ajax start their campaign without the Dane. The absence compounds a striking shortage up front after Wout Weghorst’s departure to FC Twente. Ajax manager Míchel is forced to field a makeshift attack against Panathinaikos.

An Ajax fan posted on X: “Just two weeks under trainer Míchel and he makes Wijndal a prime Zinédine Zidane.” The comment highlighted the perceived transformation under the new manager. Wijndal arrived from AZ and endured a turbulent period in Amsterdam, including a loan to Royal Antwerp FC. Those years were marked by transfer speculation and short‑term arrangements.

The match, played in Austria, saw Ajax dominated from the first whistle, with Panathinaikos controlling large spells and creating the better chances. The Greek side took the lead inside the opening ten minutes and never relinquished control.

Now back in the Ajax squad, he appears to have earned a fresh opportunity to prove himself under Míchel’s guidance. Whether the viral episode signals a genuine revival will become clearer in the coming weeks.