Ajax Unlikely to Offer Oleksandr Zinchenko a New Contract as Transfer Plans Take Shape
Ajax are not planning to offer Oleksandr Zinchenko a new contract, according to Lentin Goodijk, the club correspondent for Voetbal International. The Ukrainian defender is expected to train with the Amsterdam side while completing the final stage of his recovery, but his return to the training ground does not appear to signal a longer-term place in the club’s plans.
Zinchenko, 29, has endured a frustrating spell since joining Ajax. He suffered a cruciate ligament injury in only his second appearance for the club last season and has not played since. Although his rehabilitation is nearing its conclusion, Ajax are reportedly preparing to move forward without making a fresh commitment to the experienced left-back.
Recovery Progress Does Not Guarantee a New Ajax Deal
News that Zinchenko would train at De Toekomst, Ajax’s training complex, offered a sign of progress after a lengthy period away from competitive football. Returning to training can be an important milestone for a player recovering from a serious knee injury, helping them rebuild fitness and confidence before taking the next step toward match action.
However, Ajax’s reported position suggests that the club are treating his recovery and his future as separate matters. Zinchenko may be allowed to complete his rehabilitation within the club environment, but that does not necessarily mean he will feature in the team’s longer-term transfer prediction or squad plans. His immediate focus is likely to be regaining full fitness, while Ajax assess how best to use their limited resources.
A cruciate ligament injury can require a gradual return to football, particularly for a player whose role depends on acceleration, changes of direction and repeated high-intensity runs. Even after medical clearance, players often need time to restore match sharpness. For Zinchenko, the priority will be to complete that process safely before considering his next career move.
Competition at Left-Back Leaves Ajax With Little Room
One of the main obstacles to Zinchenko’s future at Ajax is the number of players already available in his position. The club are understood to believe they have sufficient cover at left-back, with Caio Henrique, Owen Wijndal and Jofre Torrents among the options. Youri Baas could also be considered for the role, adding further competition.
That depth makes it difficult to see where Zinchenko would fit once he is ready to play. Ajax must balance the needs of returning players with the development and selection of those already in the squad. Keeping an additional left-back could limit opportunities for other players, while committing to a new contract would require the club to weigh his experience against the demands of the position and the wider squad.
Zinchenko’s versatility has been a feature of his career, and he has played in more than one role during his time in professional football. Still, Ajax appear to be evaluating their squad according to current needs rather than reputation alone. If the club believe their left side is adequately covered, his experience may not be enough to change their transfer strategy.
Ajax Transfer Priorities Are Focused Further Forward
Ajax’s financial position is also expected to influence their decisions in the upcoming winter transfer window. Goodijk reports that the club have limited room to spend and would prefer to direct whatever budget is available toward other areas of the team.
In particular, Ajax are said to be considering reinforcements in attack. The club would rather recruit a striker or a winger, with a lack of depth in forward positions identified as a pressing concern. That could leave little financial flexibility for a new deal with Zinchenko, especially when several players are already available at left-back.
For a club with ambitions to compete across domestic and European football, squad depth can be decisive. A shortage of attacking options may force a team to rely heavily on a small group of forwards over a long season. Injuries, suspensions and changes in form can quickly expose that weakness, making a striker or wide player a more immediate priority than adding another defender.
What the Decision Could Mean for Zinchenko
If Ajax do not offer a contract extension, Zinchenko will need to consider his options once he has completed his recovery. His next move may depend on how quickly he returns to full fitness, what role he wants to play and which clubs are prepared to offer regular football. A successful return to training could help him demonstrate that he is ready to compete again, but the injury layoff may make a measured approach essential.
For Ajax, the reported decision reflects a broader effort to allocate resources where they believe they are most needed. Rather than adding another player to a position with several candidates, the club may focus on improving its attacking depth. That does not diminish Zinchenko’s experience, but it does underline how squad balance and budget constraints can shape a transfer decision.
Ajax Contract and Transfer Prediction
Based on Goodijk’s report, the current prediction is that Zinchenko will train with Ajax as he completes the final phase of rehabilitation, but will not receive a new contract. Ajax’s crowded left-back group and limited winter budget appear to make an extension unlikely, while the club’s attention is expected to turn toward a striker or winger.
That outlook could change if squad circumstances shift or Ajax identify a role for Zinchenko after assessing his recovery. For now, however, the clearest signal is that his return to training is primarily about completing rehabilitation—not confirming a long-term future in Amsterdam. The next few months should provide a better indication of his fitness and whether another club is ready to make a move.
