Ajax werkt aan komst talenten van West Ham United en Feyenoord – Ajax Showtime

Ajax is intensifying its activity in the youth transfer market, targeting high-potential players to strengthen multiple age categories. According to reporting from Ajax Showtime on May 14, 2026, the club is currently working to secure the signatures of Emmanuel Fejokwu from West Ham United and Ephendrich Rijsenburg from Feyenoord.

Both players are expected to make decisions regarding their futures in the short term. Ajax is reportedly optimistic about the arrival of Fejokwu, despite interest from other clubs.

Targeting Defensive and Offensive Versatility

Emmanuel Fejokwu is a 16-year-old right-footed defender who possesses the versatility to play as both a right-back and a central defender. Born in the Netherlands, Fejokwu moved to England at a young age and has developed within the West Ham United academy, where he primarily features for the Under-18 team.

Fejokwu holds both Dutch and English nationalities. He is currently a youth international for the Netherlands Under-16 squad, where he has played alongside current Ajax players including Miles Aalbersberg, Ky-an Martis, Mohammed Tatuh, Gerain van Loon, Eniola Owolabi, and Cino Cloos. If the transfer is completed, Fejokwu is expected to join the Ajax Under-17 formation.

Simultaneously, Ajax is pursuing 15-year-old attacker Ephendrich Rijsenburg. A player for both Feyenoord Under-15 and the Netherlands Under-15 national team, Rijsenburg is described as a technically skilled and fast striker who primarily operates at the tip of the attack.

Rijsenburg is intended to be the second attacking addition for the new Under-16 squad, following the arrival of Quincy Nelisse, who transferred to Ajax from Sparta Rotterdam.

International Scouting and Squad Gaps

The club’s efforts extend beyond domestic and English targets as it continues to scout the international youth market. Ajax has shown interest in Martim Ribeiro, a 16-year-old attacker from Sporting CP who is now eligible to move abroad.

However, not all targets have materialized. Ajax monitored Ellazaro Jackson of PSV Under-16, but the player will not be moving to Amsterdam. The club also sought a left-back for the new Under-16 squad and identified De’Vaughn Hansen of AZ, but Hansen has decided to remain with AZ.

Confirmed Reinforcements for Under-15s

While some deals remain pending, Ajax has already secured reinforcements for its Under-15 selection. Musabe Abdusalem is set to leave AZ to join Ajax Under-15 for the upcoming season.

Emmanuel Nankeng is transferring from AFC. This move will reunite Emmanuel with his triplet brother, Yvan, who is already at the club.

Reacting to his selection, Emmanuel Nankeng expressed surprise and excitement regarding the reunion with his sibling.

I was shocked, because I hadn’t played with my little brother together since the U8. I was really happy when I heard that I had been accepted.

Emmanuel Nankeng

These strategic investments in the youth market indicate a broader effort by Ajax to ensure long-term stability and quality across its defensive and attacking lines for the coming seasons.