Two Ajax Newcomers Cause Disappointment: 'Truly Unbelievable'

The 1-3 defeat to PSV in the Eredivisie top match has raised serious questions about the quality of Ajax's squad, especially the two expensive newcomers Marcos Leonardo and Viktor Tsygankov. Both have been heavily criticized for their lack of fitness, leading to performances below expectations. Expert Hans Kraay Jr. stated bluntly: 'It's truly unbelievable that they dare to show up at a new club without being in top shape.' This article delves into the issue from tactical, financial and dressing room perspectives, while also highlighting the positive signals from other signings like Tolu Arokodare and Julian Brandt. Marcos Leonardo, who cost Ajax €20 million from Al Hilal, has missed numerous chances in recent weeks and lost his starting spot to Tolu Arokodare – a less famous striker but in excellent form. Meanwhile, Viktor Tsygankov, a €4 million deadline-day signing from Girona, had only 30 minutes of debut against PSV. Coming off the bench, he immediately showed lack of match fitness, struggling to keep up with the game's tempo. His mistake in losing the ball and failing to track back led directly to Ajax's third conceded goal, compounding the team's heavy defeat. This was a dual failure in both performance and morale. From a tactical perspective, Ajax's problem is not player quality but inconsistent physical preparation. Both Leonardo and Tsygankov arrived at Ajax not in optimal condition. Leonardo had irregular playing time at Al Hilal, while Tsygankov had a short break after the season at Girona. When Ajax demands high intensity in top matches, they cannot adapt. This raises questions about Ajax's scouting and medical assessment processes. Did the management rush into last-minute deals without thorough fitness evaluations? Kraay emphasizes that players showing up unfit at a new club is unprofessional, but in reality, the recruiting team also bears responsibility for not controlling this key factor. The contrast between the two struggling signings and two successful ones paints a clearer picture. Tolu Arokodare, initially a backup option, quickly claimed a starting spot thanks to his sharp fitness and finishing ability. Julian Brandt, the former Dortmund star, is also proving his worth with intelligent play and consistency. This contrast shows that Ajax had a mixed transfer window: on one hand, they brought in quality but not-ready players; on the other, they secured signings that truly fit the system. This leaves fans hopeful yet disappointed. Financially, the €24 million investment in these two players shows signs of risk. Leonardo, at €20 million, is losing transfer value if he doesn't improve soon. Tsygankov, with a lower fee, puts less financial pressure but raises concerns about adaptation. In a context where Ajax relies on player sales to balance budgets, poor performance from these two could affect future transfer profits. However, both still have time to correct their course, especially Leonardo who is still in his early twenties. If Ajax shows patience and provides tailored training regimes, they can regain form. Public pressure is mounting on the coach and management. Kraay's criticism, though harsh, reflects the general sentiment of fans. Tsygankov is particularly targeted despite only 30 minutes of play. This creates an unhealthy environment for newcomers, who lack sufficient time to adjust. Ajax needs to protect its new signings from media pressure while setting more realistic expectations. The Ajax dressing room appears to have healthy competition, with Tolu and the 34-year-old Steven Berghuis maintaining good fitness, but the arrival of two unprepared players could upset the balance. Looking ahead, Ajax stands at a crossroads. They can continue aggressive investment under Jordy Cruyff, who is said to have opened his wallet wide, but need to improve quality control. For Leonardo and Tsygankov, recovery is still possible if they receive support from the coaching staff and regular playing time. However, if fitness issues persist, Ajax may face a trophyless season and financial losses. The question remains: will Ajax be patient and wait for these two, or will they seek early exits to minimize risk? The answer will be determined in the coming months when the most intense matches of the season unfold. The lesson from this story is that fitness is not just an individual issue but a key factor in transfer strategy. Ajax must learn from this to avoid repeating mistakes, and hope that Leonardo and Tsygankov will prove their worth in time. Football always offers second chances, and this is the moment for Ajax to show the resilience of a big club.