Julian Brandt reveals months-long talks behind Ajax move

Julian Brandt has revealed that his transfer to Ajax followed several months of private discussions with technical director Jordi Cruijff. The 30-year-old said their contact began in April, although news of the move did not emerge until shortly before he joined the Amsterdam club.

Speaking after his Ajax debut, Brandt repeatedly praised Cruijff and said he trusted the direction in which the technical director is taking the club. “This is a project I want to be part of,” Brandt told Ziggo Sport, as reported by NU.nl. He added that Ajax’s history, supporters and stadium also influenced his decision.

The 48-cap Germany international said he had held conversations with several clubs but ultimately felt Ajax suited him best. Brandt explained that he tends to make career decisions on instinct and kept the talks within his family rather than discussing them widely with media or agents, helping the negotiations remain out of public view.

Brandt made his first appearance as a substitute in Ajax’s 3-1 Conference League qualifying victory over Shelbourne. The former Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund player welcomed the quality of the squad but warned against excessive expectations after recent difficult years. He said Ajax still have areas to improve, while expressing enthusiasm about the challenge and insisting that, despite being 30, he can continue developing.