Ajax sign Julian Brandt, ex-Dortmund star snubs Fulham and Leeds

Ajax have completed the signing of former Borussia Dortmund playmaker Julian Brandt.

The Germany international joins the Eredivisie giants on a free transfer after the expiry of his contract in June.

The 30-year-old has signed a three-year deal in Amsterdam, ending a seven-year spell with BVB.

Brandt had also attracted interest from Leeds United and Fulham. They were both linked with moves for the versatile attacker earlier in the summer.

However, Ajax have won the race to sign him, handing new manager Michel another significant addition ahead of the new campaign.

The former Bayer Leverkusen star leaves Dortmund after making 307 appearances in all competitions, bagging 57 goals and 65 assists.

He remained an influential figure last season despite Dortmund’s inconsistency, contributing 11 goals and four assists across 41 matches.

His arrival continues a major rebuild in Amsterdam under sporting director Jordi Cruyff.

Brandt becomes Ajax’s fifth signing of the transfer window, following the arrivals of Daley Blind, Caio Henrique, Marcos Leonardo and Tolu Arokodare.

They are desperate to return to the summit of Dutch football after years in purgatory and will hope their new additions can help them to glory.

The overhaul follows a disastrous 2025/26 campaign in which Ajax finished fifth in the Eredivisie.

It was the club’s joint-lowest league finish since 1963, and they were forced to secure Europa Conference League qualification through the play-offs.

There are already encouraging signs under Michel.

Ajax have comfortably progressed to the third qualifying round of the Europa Conference League after brushing aside Serbian side Vojvodina Novi Sad 8-2 on aggregate.

Playmaker Oscar Gloukh looks set for a terrific campaign. Brandt adds experience, more creativity and leadership to the squad.

However, they face the prospect of losing attacker Mika Godts, who is attracting interest from Paris Saint-Germain.