Ajax significantly strengthened their first team during the summer transfer window, but the Amsterdammers also recruited several players for Jong Ajax.

Abdoulaye Camara, Diego Pugno, and Leo Salazar all moved to Amsterdam on loan deals, with Ajax holding options to make their transfers permanent next summer. Pugno, on loan from Juventus, has already scored five goals in nine games this season and made a very positive impression.

Fouad Zahouani from Union Touarga Sport and signed a three year contract, which keeps him at the Johan Cruijff ArenA until June 2029. 

Ajax also signed Gerónimo Spina from Atletico Madrid on a two-year contract. Spina was not the only player to make the move from Madrid to Amsterdam, with Jano Monserrate also moving to Ajax from Atletico Madrid.

Monserrate, like Pugno, has had a strong start to the season for Jong Ajax. The Spanish midfielder scored the winner in Jong Ajax's 2-1 against De Graafschap on Monday night at De Toekomst.

Monserrate eyes step up to Ajax's first team

Monserrate is keen on making the step up to Ajax's first team. In an interview with Ajax Life, the midfielder talked about his ambitions at Ajax.

"The first team is amazing. The structure, the players… I hope to be able to join them, but for now I am focusing on Jong Ajax," Monserrate said.

Monserrate also talked about his move to Ajax and how Jordi Cruijff covicnced him to make the move from Madrid to Amsterdam.

"I needed a change to be able to take the next step. Jordi told me about how big Ajax is, but also that talents get a chance in the first team here," Monserrate explained.

Which other Jong Ajax players could make the step to Ajax's first team this season?

In addition to Monserrate, there are a few others players who have enjoyed impressive starts to the season with Jong Ajax.

As already mentioned, Pugno looks like a promising talent and could get his chance with Ajax's first team this season. 

Kasper Dolberg suffered a serious knee injury during the international break, and various reports claim he could miss the remainder of the season.

During his press conference before the Ajax game against NEC Nijmegen, Ajax head coach Michel Sanchez mentioned Pugno as a player who could help Ajax replace Dolberg during his absence. 

"There is an Italian playing at Jong Ajax who scores goals. But we haven't really been able to work with him yet," Michel said.

Emre Ünüvar has also had a good start to the season and could be a player Michel turns to if he ever needs another option in the forward line. He can play as a striker, but he can also play in wider areas.

Pharell Nash, who already made his debut for Ajax's first team last season, has also had a good start to the season. He is quite creative but also has good pace. He does, however, play predominantly on the left wing, which is a position Ajax already have several options in. He may, therefore, have to be patient in waiting for his chance.