Amsterdam, Netherlands – AFC Ajax is undergoing a significant restructuring of its technical department, with Siem de Jong and Daniel de Ridder stepping into key supporting roles for Director of Football, Jordi Cruijff. The move, designed to alleviate the workload on Cruijff, reflects the increasingly complex demands of modern football management and Ajax’s ambition to return to the top of European football. This collaborative approach aims to streamline operations and bolster the club’s transfer strategy as they prepare for upcoming transfer windows.
Jordi Cruijff was appointed Director of Football in December 2025, as reported by Wikipedia, inheriting a club with a rich history but facing contemporary challenges. The sheer volume of responsibilities associated with the position prompted the club to seek additional expertise, leading to the expanded roles for De Jong and De Ridder.
De Jong to Lead Scouting Operations
Siem de Jong, a former Ajax player, will focus on overseeing the club’s scouting network. He emphasized the importance of optimizing collaboration between Cruijff, his own scout Joel Lara, and the wider scouting team. “I’m very focused on the structure, looking at the optimal cooperation between Jordi, his scout, and the other scouts,” De Jong stated, according to Ajax Showtime. “It’s about organizing the departments as effectively as possible. I was involved in this under Kelvin [De Lang], and we’re going to make it more specific towards the upcoming transfer periods.”
De Jong’s ambition extends beyond the immediate scouting role. He has expressed interest in progressing towards a board-level position within the club, potentially engaging with organizations like the KNVB (Royal Dutch Football Association), the Eredivisie CV, and European Football Clubs (formerly ECA). While he acknowledges the possibility of becoming a technical director in the future, he believes it’s premature to discuss such a move at this stage, citing the importance of the overall directorial composition.
De Ridder Combines Legal Expertise with Football Operations
Daniel de Ridder, also appointed as a technical manager, brings a unique skillset to the table, combining his football knowledge with a legal background. Having completed a university law degree, De Ridder is positioned to contribute to both the sporting and legal aspects of the club’s operations. Details regarding his specific responsibilities beyond this dual focus were not immediately available.
The appointment of De Jong and De Ridder underscores a broader trend in modern football, where technical directors are increasingly reliant on a team of specialists to manage the multifaceted demands of the role. The scouting process, contract negotiations, player development, and regulatory compliance all require dedicated attention, making a collaborative approach essential for success.
Ajax’s Transfer Activity Under Scrutiny
Ajax’s transfer activity has been a subject of intense scrutiny in recent seasons. The club is currently preparing for another crucial transfer window, with scouts from top European clubs, including Barcelona, Arsenal, and Chelsea, reportedly present at a recent match against PSV Eindhoven to observe young talent Kenneth Vermeer Godts, as reported by Voetbal International. This heightened interest in Ajax’s young players highlights the club’s continued reputation as a breeding ground for talent.
The restructuring of the technical department is intended to provide Cruijff with the support he needs to navigate the complexities of the transfer market and identify the players who can facilitate Ajax regain its competitive edge. The club’s leadership recognizes that a successful transfer strategy is crucial for achieving its long-term goals.
For Ajax supporters, the changes represent a renewed commitment to restoring the club’s former glory. The appointment of experienced figures like De Jong and De Ridder, coupled with Cruijff’s vision, offers a glimmer of hope for a brighter future. The coming months will be critical in determining whether this restructuring can deliver the desired results.
The next key date for Ajax is their upcoming Eredivisie match against [Opponent TBD], scheduled for [Date and Time TBD]. This match will provide an early opportunity to assess the impact of the new technical structure on the team’s performance.
