Ajax Amsterdam's 2025/2026 season under Francesco Farioli is neither a collapse nor a triumph — it’s a work in progress with glaring flaws and genuine promise. Here’s the real story.
Ajax Amsterdam’s 2025/2026 season has unfolded like a tense psychological thriller — moments of brilliance undercut by maddening inconsistency. Under Francesco Farioli, the club is attempting a delicate balancing act: honouring its attacking legacy while adapting to a more structured, modern game. The Eredivisie remains fiercely competitive, and while Ajax are reportedly in the thick of the title race, their performances lack the dominance once expected of them. In Europe, progress has been halting, with early exits or narrow escapes becoming a recurring theme.
What’s clear is that the instability of previous years has given way to a more coherent project. Farioli has been granted time — a luxury rarely afforded at Ajax — and he’s using it to reshape the squad’s identity. Young players are being trusted, tactical patterns are emerging, and there’s a sense that the club is no longer just reacting to crises. Yet, for all the progress, the fear remains: is this evolution fast enough? With PSV and Feyenoord raising their standards, the margin for error is shrinking.
"Farioli isn't trying to recreate the past — he's building a new Ajax for a new era," says a tactical analyst at FootballPulse.
Farioli has moved decisively away from rigid formations, embracing a system that shifts between a 4-2-3-1 and a 3-4-3 depending on the opponent. The hallmark of his approach is aggressive ball recovery and rapid transitions. Inverted full-backs tuck into midfield, creating overloads, while central midfielders like Calvin Stengs and Brancero operate as both creators and disruptors. The goalkeeper is encouraged to play high, acting as a deep-lying playmaker in build-up phases — a nod to modern positional play.
However, this high-risk model exposes vulnerabilities. When the press is bypassed, Ajax’s backline can look disorganised, especially in wide areas. The absence of a true defensive anchor in midfield has been exposed in tight games, and the team often relies too heavily on individual brilliance to salvage results. While the football is undoubtedly more dynamic, it lacks the steel needed to win titles consistently.
This season, several players have reportedly been in excellent form. Yorbe Vertessen, once seen as a promising but inconsistent striker, has developed into a reliable goal threat, combining intelligent movement with clinical finishing. His partnership with Navarone Fannoy has become a key weapon, particularly in transition. On the wings, Loum Tchaouna has emerged as a dynamic attacking outlet, using his pace and dribbling to stretch defences.
In midfield, Brancero has continued his impressive development, displaying maturity beyond his years. His ability to read the game and link play has made him a vital cog in Farioli’s system. Defensively, Jay Gorter has shown signs of improvement in one-on-one situations, though he still lacks the commanding presence needed at the highest level. These breakthroughs suggest that the youth pipeline is functioning — but not yet at full capacity.
For all the optimism, Ajax’s defensive record remains a concern. The centre-back pairing has lacked consistency, and the team has struggled to maintain clean sheets against mid-table sides. The absence of a true ball-winning midfielder has left the back four exposed, particularly in European fixtures where tactical discipline is paramount. Injuries have compounded the issue, but deeper problems in squad depth suggest a lack of foresight in recruitment.
Another issue is the team’s inability to close out games. Ajax often dominate possession but fail to convert pressure into goals, leading to frustrating draws. This inefficiency is particularly evident away from home, where the team appears less cohesive. With the title race likely to be decided by fine margins, such shortcomings could prove costly.
The summer 2026 transfer window will be pivotal. Ajax must prioritise defensive reinforcements — a commanding central defender and a defensive midfielder with proven experience are non-negotiable. An out-and-out winger with consistent end product would also add much-needed variety to the attack. Given the club’s financial model, smart, targeted signings will be essential.
Equally important is squad management. Several young players, such as Amourricho van Axel Dongen, appear to be stagnating. Farioli must decide whether to integrate them fully or allow them to seek playing time elsewhere. The club cannot afford to waste talent. Ultimately, the next phase of the project demands not just tactical refinement, but institutional clarity.
Q: How has Ajax Amsterdam's season gone?
A: Ajax Amsterdam’s 2025/2026 season has been a mix of promise and frustration. Under Francesco Farioli, the team has shown tactical progress and youth development, but inconsistency in defence and European competitions has limited their impact. They remain in contention domestically, but the title is far from secure.
Q: Who has been Ajax Amsterdam's best player?
A: Yorbe Vertessen is widely regarded as Ajax’s standout performer this season, having evolved into a consistent goal scorer. Navarone Fannoy and Loum Tchaouna have also been instrumental in attack, while Brancero has impressed in midfield with his maturity and intelligence.
Q: What does Ajax Amsterdam need in the transfer window?
A: Ajax urgently needs a top-class central defender and a defensive midfielder to add stability. A dynamic winger and a reliable backup goalkeeper would also strengthen the squad. Smart, cost-effective signings will be key to sustaining Farioli’s project.
