Ajax, founded in 1900, remain one of the Netherlands’ defining clubs, housed at the Johan Cruijff Arena and carrying the kind of continental familiarity that needs little explanation to Celtic supporters.
The current side sits fourth in the Eredivisie during the 2026-27 season, with a 29-player squad averaging 26 years of age. Its market value is around £152m, according to Transfermarkt, which reflects a club still operating with considerable resources even when the league table is not entirely compliant.
Their recent league form has been productive if not flawless: a 5-2 win away to FC Groningen followed draws with NEC Nijmegen and Excelsior, after earlier wins over Willem II and Fortuna Sittard, and a 3-1 home defeat to PSV. Ajax have been especially open at home, averaging 2.2 goals scored and 1.8 conceded, while their away figures are sharper, with four scored and 0.8 conceded per match.
Julian Brandt and Davy Klaassen lead the scoring with eight goals each, followed by Tolu Arokodare on seven and Oscar Gloukh on five. Ajax have also struck first inside 20 minutes in six of 18 league matches, a useful warning for opponents inclined to settle into games slowly.
Their season has also included the Conference League qualifying play-off round and league phase. For Celtic supporters, Ajax are a familiar European name: technically capable, attack-minded, and currently strong enough to command respect without looking beyond scrutiny.
