Ajax plug gap with free‑transfer of Belgian captain Sari Kees

Ajax have addressed a defensive shortfall by securing 25‑year‑old Belgian international Sari Kees from Leicester City on a free transfer, signing her to a three‑year contract that will bolster the Amsterdam club’s back line as they remodel the squad for the upcoming season.

The club identified a gap in its defensive unit after a summer exodus of players, prompting a strategic shift toward adding experience and composure at the back.

The agreement is a free transfer, meaning Ajax incur no fee, and the three‑year deal secures Kees as a permanent addition to the Amsterdam outfit.

According to the official club press release from the Foxes this afternoon, the move was confirmed and the details were also relayed to WSL Full‑Time, confirming the transfer across both clubs.

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Kees spent two seasons with Leicester City after arriving from OH Leuven, making 31 appearances across all competitions before the Foxes were relegated at the end of last season.

Her experience in England follows a solid spell in Belgium where she captained Leuven, underscoring her leadership credentials as a Belgium international.

Dutch club technical manager Dolf Roks praised the signing, stating, “With Sari, we are bringing in an experienced player who knows what is required at the highest level. It is no coincidence that she wore the captain’s armband at Leuven and is a Belgium international. Sari is an intelligent defender who positions herself well and can contribute to the build‑up play with her footballing qualities.”

Roks added that her calmness in possession and good overview of the game fit Ajax’s style of play perfectly, providing an experienced back‑line option as the Dutch Eurojackpot Vrouwen Eredivisie side reshapes its squad.

For Kees, the move means a bright future at Ajax, with a stable three‑year contract after Leicester’s relegation and a summer exodus of players. She becomes a permanent member of the Amsterdam club, adding depth to the defence while continuing her development in the Dutch league.