Ajax Amsterdam’s pursuit of Ghanaian winger Kamaldeen Sulemana faces an unexpected hurdle as the club awaits FIFA’s decision on whether the transfer was completed within the summer window deadline. The Dutch giants had secured Sulemana on loan from Southampton with an option to buy, aiming to fill the gap left by Steven Bergwijn’s departure to Saudi Arabia. However, the finalization of the deal remains uncertain due to a last-minute registration issue.
Ajax’s technical director, Alex Kroes, confirmed that the club submitted all necessary paperwork just before the transfer deadline, but now the move hinges on FIFA’s ruling.
“We have sent a letter to FIFA requesting a decision on the matter, and we hope to have an answer soon,” Kroes explained in an interview with Ajax TV.
The delay stems from a debate over whether the transfer was processed just before or just after the window closed, leaving the club in a state of limbo.
The need for a replacement became urgent after Bergwijn’s controversial transfer to Saudi Arabia, which sparked debate in the Netherlands due to the player’s exclusion from the national team by coach Ronald Koeman.
Sulemana, who has earned 19 caps for Ghana, was identified as the ideal candidate to take on Bergwijn’s role at Ajax.
The 21-year-old winger’s loan deal includes an option for Ajax to make the move permanent for €20 million.
Despite the paperwork being swiftly submitted, the uncertainty around the timing has left Ajax waiting for a verdict from FIFA.
“We knew that if Bergwijn left, we needed a quick replacement,” Kroes continued. “We had a shortlist, and after evaluating all factors, we decided on Sulemana.
The process was completed in time, but now it’s out of our hands, and we have to wait for FIFA’s decision.”
Kamaldeen Sulemana’s future remains unclear as FIFA deliberates the case. Should the transfer be approved, Ajax will gain a promising talent who has yet to fully find his footing in European football.
Sulemana joined Southampton in January 2023 from Stade Rennais for a fee of €25 million but struggled to make a significant impact in the Premier League, recording just two goals and four assists in 44 appearances.
His contract with the Saints runs until June 2027, leaving his future in a precarious position depending on FIFA’s ruling.
As it stands, Sulemana remains a Southampton player, but both he and Ajax are keen to see the transfer approved so he can start a new chapter in Amsterdam.
The outcome now lies with FIFA, whose decision will determine whether the young Ghanaian winger can join Ajax and help fill the void left by Bergwijn.
