Ajax is still looking for a new midfielder after the departure of Jordan Henderson to Brentford. The Amsterdammers see a candidate in Edson Álvarez of West Ham United. However, the 27-year-old Mexican is also in the interest of Fenerbahce. The arrival of former PSV star Ibrahim Sangaré from Nottingham Forest can offer a solution.
It seems that José Mourinho is going to stop the arrival from Álvarez at Ajax. The midfielder had already set his sights on a return to the Johan Cruijff Arena, where he was already under contract between 2019 and 2023. However, Álvarez seems too expensive for Ajax, given his annual salary of six million euros. Fenerbahce, which finally hopes to reach the Champions League again this season, does have enough army financially to meet the salary requirements of the midfielder.
Ibrahim Sangaré as an alternative
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If Edson Álvarez chooses to move to Fenerbahce, the arrival of Ibrahim Sangaré can offer a solution. In the summer of 2023, the 27-year-old midfielder made the switch from PSV to Nottingham Forest for an amount of 35 million euros, which hoped to get an absolute top player with Sangaré. His arrival, however, turned out differently. After two years, the counter is only 35 games for his current club. Partly due to injuries, the midfielder last season only occurred in action the Tricky Trees.
A transfer to Ajax can mean a new fresh start for Sangaré. The 43-time international has, according to data from SciSports Namely about a Similarity of 99% with the playing style of Álvarez. Both players are described according to the football data agency as a ball -conquering midfielder.
Edson Álvarez
2024/2025 | Premier League (ENG)
Defensive midfield (1543 Minutes played)
Ibrahim Sangaré
2024/2025 | Premier League (ENG)
Defensive midfield (625 Minutes played)
Sangaré, however, fits better with John Heitinga’s playing style because he puts early pressure in early and his willingness to take a risk of half of the opponent fits in with an intensive and opportunistic way of playing. Heitinga wants Ajax to win the ball high on the field and quickly plays forward, and Sangaré excels in the aggressive intercept and immediately start danger with early passes. His weaker points – such as choosing a position in the final phase and carefully building from his own half – weighing at Heitinga less heavy, because Ajax often plays more direct among him and puts less emphasis on long -term structure.
Álvarez, on the other hand, is stronger in disrupting long balls and in defending play breaking, but his lesser qualities in early passes and middle -long passes make him less suitable in a system that wants to attack faster and risky, according to the data. The Mexican game distributor feels more comfortable in a role in which control and the switching of game pace are central, which fits better with a conservative or balanced playing style. In Heitinga’s preference for pressure forward and direct game, Sangaré is therefore more functional than Álvarez.
Price tag
Sangaré is still fixed at Nottingham Forest until the summer of 2028. Whether the English club is willing to cooperate in a transfer is still unclear. Nothing is also known about a possible asking price. According to Football Transfers data, the Ivorian midfielder is currently estimated at a market value (ETV) of 24.7 million euros. Ten million fewer than PSV received for him two years ago.
Sangaré vs. Álvarez: A comparative Analysis
To better understand the potential impact of either Sangaré or Álvarez on Ajax’s midfield, let’s delve deeper into a comparative analysis. The following table provides a snapshot of key attributes and playing styles, offering a clearer viewpoint on their suitability for Ajax’s needs:
| Attribute | Ibrahim Sangaré | Edson Álvarez | Key Insights |
|---|---|---|---|
| playing Style | Ball-winning Midfielder, Defensive Solidity, Transition Control | Ball-winning Midfielder, Tenacious Tackler, Tactical versatility | Both are defensively-minded, but Sangaré offers more in transition, perhaps suiting Heitinga’s forward-thinking approach. |
| Key Strengths | Tackling, Interceptions, Aerial Duels, Physical Presence | Tackling, Aerial Duels, Positioning, Leadership | Álvarez excels in leadership and defensive positioning, while Sangaré’s dynamism in physical duels could provide balance. |
| Weaknesses | Can be prone to fouls, Decision-making under pressure | Disciplinary issues, Consistency in attacking phases | Both need to improve consistency, but Álvarez’s experience gives him an edge. |
| Current Club | Nottingham Forest | West Ham united | Sangaré’s availability is more uncertain, impacting a potential move to Ajax. |
| Market Value (ETV) | €24.7 million | Significantly higher (dependent on West ham’s valuation) | Sangaré represents a potentially more affordable option, given the current financial climate. |
As the table illustrates, both players bring a robust defensive profile to the midfield. While Álvarez’s Premier League experience is a plus,Sangaré’s potential to adapt to ajax’s tactical system quickly could prove valuable.Ajax’s ultimate decision may hinge on factors beyond the pitch, including transfer fees, wage demands, and player availability.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions to clarify any confusion and expand what we know about the Ajax Midfileld plans in the transfer market.
Why is Ajax looking for a new midfielder?
Ajax is currently assessing the midfield positions due to the departure of Jordan Henderson,creating a need for strengthening the squad. Other players like Edson Álvarez have also garnered interest from other clubs.
What is Ibrahim Sangaré’s current situation?
Ibrahim Sangaré is contracted to Nottingham Forest until 2028. He has experienced a difficult time in England because of injuries, and is looking at a potential fresh start. His move to Ajax is dependent upon Nottingham Forest being amenable with a transfer.
How does Sangaré compare to Edson Álvarez?
According to data from SciSports,Sangaré has a 99% similarity to Álvarez in terms of playing style,both being ball-winning midfielders. Therefore, both players boast many similarities in terms of their strengths and weaknesses; however, Álvarez is more experienced.
what is Sangaré’s market value?
Sangaré’s estimated market value is currently around €24.7 million, according to Football Transfers data. This is a important reduction compared to the €35 million PSV received for him two years ago.
Why is Álvarez possibly too expensive for Ajax?
Álvarez’s high salary demands (approximately €6 million annually) might be outside Ajax’s current financial capabilities. Fenerbahce has more financial flexibility to meet his salary requirements.
How would Sangaré fit into heitinga’s tactical plan?
Sangaré’s comfort in controlling the pace of the game and his capacity for rapid transitions align him well with a balanced or conservative role. His forward-thinking style will suit Heitinga’s vision better than Álvarez.
This analysis is based on the moast recent available data,and transfer situations are subject to change. always stay tuned to reliable news platforms for updates.
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