Two Ajax new signings cause disappointment: 'Truly unbelievable'
core_answer: Hai tân binh Ajax, Marcos Leonardo và Viktor Tsygankov, bị chỉ trích vì không đạt thể lực sau trận thua PSV 1-3. Hans Kraay Jr. gọi hành vi đến Ajax không sẵn sàng là 'không thể tin nổi'.
key_facts: Marcos Leonardo: 20 triệu euro từ Al Hilal, mất suất đá chính do thể lực kém.; Viktor Tsygankov: 4 triệu euro từ Girona, ra mắt 30 phút, gây ra bàn thua thứ ba.; Hans Kraay Jr. (Voetbal International) so sánh Tsygankov bất lợi với Steven Berghuis (34 tuổi).; Ajax thua PSV 1-3; Tolu Arokodare và Julian Brandt được khen ngợi.
source_attribution: Goal.com tổng hợp từ Voetbal International, ngày 15 tháng 2 năm 2026.
related_qa: q: Ai chịu trách nhiệm cho các bản hợp đồng này dưới góc nhìn của Kraay?, a: Jordy Cruyff được cho là người mở hầu bao, chịu trách nhiệm cả thành công (Tolu, Brandt) và thất bại.; q: Liệu Tsygankov có thể hồi phục thể lực và chứng tỏ giá trị?, a: Có, nhưng áp lực dư luận sau 30 phút ra mắt khiến cửa sổ thích nghi bị thu hẹp đáng kể.
The top clash between Ajax and PSV in the Eredivisie ended 3-1 to the visitors. But what Dutch pundits are talking about more than the scoreline is the performance of two Ajax new signings: Viktor Tsygankov and Marcos Leonardo. After just 30 minutes of debut, Tsygankov faced fierce criticism, while Leonardo had been called 'unfit' for weeks.
Veteran columnist Hans Kraay Jr. of Voetbal International did not hesitate to call it 'unbelievable' that players would dare to join Ajax without being in top physical condition. This article analyzes in depth the fitness, tactical and financial issues behind the two controversial signings.
Context: Two contracts, two valuations, one problem
Marcos Leonardo, 22, was signed by Ajax from Al Hilal for €20 million – a significant sum in the Dutch league. The Brazilian striker was expected to lead the attack, but according to Kraay, he has 'missed plenty of chances' and quickly lost his starting place to Tolu Arokodare. Viktor Tsygankov, a Ukrainian winger from Girona, arrived on deadline day for only €4 million – a low fee reflecting risk but also carrying high expectations.
Both were described as 'well short of fitness' in their early days in Amsterdam. Kraay even compared Tsygankov unfavorably to 34-year-old Steven Berghuis, who remains in better shape.
Tactical analysis: What happened against PSV?
The match against PSV was the toughest test for Ajax's new signings. Tsygankov came off the bench in the 60th minute for a 30-minute debut. He struggled with the high tempo. A 'clumsy' loss of possession led to Ajax's third conceded goal – a double failure: unable to keep the ball under pressure and unable to track back defensively.
Kraay described: 'He lost every duel, couldn't keep up with the pace. And then the third goal came from a situation everyone could see: Tsygankov lacked fitness.'
For Marcos Leonardo, the problem has been cumulative. He started a few matches but failed to show his finishing instinct. Losing his place to Tolu – a hard-working, fitter striker – signals that Ajax's coaching staff prioritize current physical condition over reputation. But there is an important tactical distinction: Leonardo's missed chances are a finishing/rhythm issue, while Tsygankov's is a conditioning issue. Bundling both under 'unfit' is analytically imprecise.
Contrarian view: Fair criticism or too hasty?
Is it fair to criticize Tsygankov after just 30 minutes of debut? A player who just arrived, without a full training session with the team, thrown into the biggest match of the season. Logically, that is a risk taken by the coaching staff, not necessarily the player's fault. Kraay disagrees: he believes that daring to join Ajax without being in peak fitness is an 'unprofessional' offense.
From a financial perspective, Tsygankov cost only €4 million – a low-risk gamble. Leonardo's €20 million is a significant investment; losing his starting spot and failing to score is a real risk. His book value is being eroded with each match if form does not improve.
Interestingly, Kraay also praised two other Ajax new signings: Tolu Arokodare and Julian Brandt. Tolu is described as a 'deadly weapon' who earned his starting place through effort. Brandt, arriving from German football, also won fan affection. Clearly, this was a mixed transfer window: two successes, two failures.
Public pressure and dressing-room consequences
The pressure on Leonardo and Tsygankov is immense. For Leonardo, weeks of sustained criticism have affected his confidence. For Tsygankov, one error and immediate branding as a 'flop' after 30 minutes could unfairly compress his adaptation window.
Ajax's dressing room currently shows healthy competition: Tolu has the upper hand, Berghuis remains the fitness benchmark at 34. But failing new signings can create friction if not managed carefully. Kraay's direct naming of Jordy Cruyff as the man who 'opened the wallet' also highlights concentrated accountability – a notable governance signal.
Financial risk and long-term lessons
The total spend of €24 million on two criticized players is a concentrated bet. If Leonardo recovers form, Ajax's asset retains value; if not, resale value will drop sharply. Tsygankov's €4 million fee is less risky, but his wages may be a burden relative to actual contribution.
Ajax relies on transfer profits to sustain operations. A failed €20 million deal would slow the financial engine. However, having successful signings (Tolu, Brandt) in the same window mitigates reputational damage.
Conclusion: Fitness – the deciding factor at Ajax
The lesson from Leonardo and Tsygankov is clear: Ajax demands new arrivals be in top condition from day one. Arriving late or unfit not only affects performance but also triggers public pressure and financial risk. If both do not improve soon, their squad roles will shrink further – and their stay in Amsterdam may be short-lived.