Ajax sign Julian Brandt as 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, bringing an end to a seven-year spell with BVB that saw him establish himself as a very creative attacking midfielder.

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

However, Ajax have won the race for his signature, handing new boss Michel another significant addition ahead of the new campaign.

The former Bayer Leverkusen star leaves Dortmund after making 307 appearances in all competitions, scoring 57 goals and registering 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 at the Johan Cruyff ArenA 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.

The Dutch giants 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 UEFA 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 Conference League after brushing aside Serbian side Vojvodina Novi Sad 8-2 on aggregate.

Playmaker Oscar Gloukh is finally finding his feet and 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 PSG.