Oscar Gloukh Set for Ajax Move in €16m Deal

Ajax Amsterdam has reached an agreement with Red Bull Salzburg to sign Oscar Gloukh. The Israeli midfielder will move for €15 million, with a possible €3 million more in bonuses, as reported recently previously. Gloukh will sign a five-year contract and will travel to Amsterdam soon for medical tests.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Gloukh, 21, has been impressive for Red Bull Salzburg. In two seasons, he’s scored 17 goals and assisted 17 in 55 league games. He also performed well in Europe, with three assists in the Champions League last year and a goal in the FIFA Club World Cup. Despite interest from German teams Stuttgart and RB Leipzig, Gloukh always preferred Ajax. After several days of talks and interest from other clubs, Ajax secured the deal with Salzburg and Gloukh’s camp.

GLLOUKH’S IMPACT AND TEAM CONTEXT

Ajax has struggled in midfield recently, finishing second in the Eredivisie last year, 2 points behind PSV after losing the lead and championship in the 2 last matchdays of the season. The team is rebuilding under new coach John Heitinga and has signed Raul Moro. Gloukh’s arrival is meant to bring goals and creativity to an attack that has lacked ideas. He is expected to be a crucial starter. Ajax has also made other changes to free up finances for new signings.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR AJAX AND GLOUKH?

Gloukh will travel to Amsterdam for his medical and will be presented as an Ajax player if all goes well. Ajax aims to close the gap on PSV, last season’s champions and direct rivals. Their first league match is against Telstar, who got promoted from the Dutch’s 2nd division. With Gloukh’s addition, Ajax fans hope the team can return to the Champions League and regain their title in the Eredivisie.