Ajax remain one of the defining Dutch clubs, founded in 1900 and based at the Johan Cruijff Arena. For Celtic supporters, the name carries obvious European weight, but this version is a side still trying to impose order on its 2026-27 season rather than trading on reputation alone.
They sit fifth in the Eredivisie, with a 29-man squad averaging 25 years of age and valued at around £152m, according to Transfermarkt. Their European campaign has included the Conference League qualifying play-off round.
The numbers suggest a team with enough attacking quality but not always the control to match it. At home, Ajax are averaging two goals scored and two conceded per match; away, they have also carried a threat, scoring two per match while conceding none on average. They have struck the first goal inside 20 minutes in nine of 18 league matches, which points to sharp starts rather than a lack of intent.
Oscar Gloukh leads their scoring with four goals, while Julian Brandt and Davy Klaassen have added two each. Recent league form has been mixed but not disastrous: a 2-2 draw with Heerenveen followed a 2-0 win at PEC Zwolle, with the wider run showing two wins, three draws and one defeat from six.
Ajax are an established European reference point, but their current standing is more measured: fifth domestically, dangerous in attack, and still seeking greater consistency. Any meeting with Celtic would be against a side with pedigree, pace in its starts, and visible flaws to test.
