Ajax beat Leeds in race for free agent Brandt

Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.

Ajax have announced the signing of Julian Brandt on a free transfer.

Ajax battled Leeds United for Brandt’s signature after his contract at Borussia Dortmund expired last month, and he has signed a three-year deal with the Eredivisie club.

Brandt spent seven seasons with Dortmund, making 307 appearances after joining from Bayer Leverkusen in 2019 for a reported €25m.

Since the start of the 2019-20 season, Brandt has directly contributed to more goals than any other Dortmund player across all competitions (124 – 57 goals, 67 assists), while also leading in assists.

Among all Bundesliga players in that time, he has recorded the fourth-most assists in the German top-flight (50) and created the third-most chances from open play (265).

— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) July 31, 2026

Brandt is Ajax’s fifth signing this summer, along with Tolu Arokodare, Marcos Leonardo, Caio Henrique and the return of Daley Blind.

Ajax’s first competitive match of the 2026-27 season comes against Shelbourne in Champions qualification on August 6, while they face Zwolle three days later in their opening league match.

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