Speaker 1: Dutch giants AFC Ajax have pulled off one of the
biggest transfer coups of the summer window, officially confirming the
signing of thirty year old German international playmaker Julian Brandt
on a free transfer. The former Barisia Dortmund star arrives
in Amsterdam on a three year contract running through June
twenty twenty nine, concluding a secretive months long recruitment operations
spearheaded by technical director Jordi Kroif. Brand became an unattached
free agent following the expiration of his contract at Signal
Iduna Park in June, ending a highly successful seven year
tenure in Dortmund. During his time with BVV, the forty
eight time Germany international logged three hundred seven appearances across
all competitions, establishing himself as one of the most creative
midfield forces in modern European football, with fifty seven goals
and sixty seven assists Since the twenty nineteen to twenty season.
No Borisia Dortmund player generated more total goal contributions or
created more chances from open play than Brandt, making his
availability on a free transfer one of the market's most
prized opportunities. While Premier League side Leeds United had tabled
a compelling contract proposal and were widely considered the front
runners for his signature, Ajax worked diligently behind the scenes
for several months to convince Brant to anchor their new
sporting project in the Aradivasy. In his first official interview,
Brandt admitted the swift nature of the announcement surprised onlookers,
expressing his excitement to begin a fresh chapter under newly
appointed manager. Michel Krouf praised Brandt's elite European experience, tactical
versatility and winning mentality, emphasizing that securing a player of
his caliber without paying a transfer fee represents a landmark
statement for the club. Brandt becomes Ajax's fifth marquee acquisition
of an ambitious summer rebuild, joining returning veteran Daily Blind
Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo left by Caio Enrique, and forward
Tolua Rockadair. Following a challenging domestic campaign, the thirty six
time Dutch champions are retooling their squad aggressively as they
prepare for their upcoming YUEFA European qualifiers and aim to
restore their dominance. A top Dutch football