Waarom Ajax’s €55 million Mika Godts sale doesn’t guarantee Noa Lang

Why Ajax’s €55 million sale of 19‑year‑old Mika Godts to Paris Saint‑Germain has not instantly cleared the path for Noa Lang? The Dutch side left the Heerenveen stadium still buzzing after a 2‑2 stalemate, with trainer Míchel Sánchez already demanding a new number 6 to replace the departing talent.

Trainer’s demand after Heerenveen draw

Trainer Míchel Sánchez erupted after the 2‑2 draw with Heerenveen, shouting for a new number 6 and a direct replacement for Godts. The outburst highlighted the immediate tactical void left by the Belgian youngster.

Photo credit and source

© Pim Ras Fotografie, DeFodi Images via Getty ImagesMika Godts and Noa Lang. InanClubwatcher of Ajax17 noted the visual documentation of the two players.

Godts’ €55 million exit

Mika Godts was sold to PSG for a total package of €55 million, a record figure for a Belgian talent. The transfer fee provides Ajax with substantial cash but does not automatically solve the squad’s positional needs.

Noa Lang remains a top candidate

Despite the influx, Ajax has not moved immediately for Noa Lang, the former Napoli striker who graduated from the club’s academy and is viewed as the leading option should Godts depart. The club’s hierarchy stresses that the signing is not a foregone conclusion.

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Seeking an experienced number 6

Ajax’s search for a seasoned midfielder includes the possibility of adding Jofre Torrents, a talented left‑back from FC Barcelona acquired through a low‑cost structure with a buy‑back clause. Trainer Míchel Sánchez also mentioned that only Youri Regeer currently covers the number 6 role, indicating the need for another experienced player.

Lutsharel Geertruida on the radar

Former Feyenoord player Lutsharel Geertruida is another defensive target; he can operate in multiple positions and recently featured for RB Leipzig against Bayern Munich. Ajax’s technical director sees his versatility as valuable for squad balance.

Salary budget versus transfer spending

Jos Berden, a football‑finance expert, warned that “a growing wage bill is a harder problem than an expensive purchase.” While transfer fees can be amortised, salaries are a fixed outlay that Ajax must manage carefully.

Godts leaves Ajax for PSG in €55 million deal, calls it a ‘see you later’

Recent departures and high earners

The club has already completed outgoing deals for Godts, Ahmetcan Kaplan (NEC) and Don Angelo Konadu (SK Lommel). High‑earning players such as Josip Sutalo, Ko Itakura, Owen Wijndal and Kasper Dolberg remain on the books, adding to the salary burden.

Balancing the squad ahead of deadline day

To free salary space for new signings, Ajax may need to sell or loan out some of the costly veterans. Trainer Míchel Sánchez also wants competition for Steven Berghuis on the right flank, suggesting a modest transfer pot will be allocated once the necessary funds are generated. The situation promises an eventful final day of the transfer window.