Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Thu 22 January 2026 6:15, UK

Ajax are reportedly seriously considering moves for defensive midfielders from three of the Premier League’s big six this month.

Oleksandr Zinchenko is set to sign for Ajax in the coming days, after the left-back’s loan at Nottingham Forest was cut short.

The Eredivisie club are looking to target the Premier League to strengthen Fred Grim’s squad, as they look to turn their season around.

Ajax signed Takehiro Tomiyasu on a free transfer in December, after the Japan international left Arsenal in the summer.

And Jorrel Hato was also linked with a return to Ajax on loan, but Chelsea‘s international loan spots are set to prove a stumbling block for any deal.

Ajax weigh up moves for Premier League stars

Ajax have struggled in the Eredivisie this season, and made the decision to sack former Liverpool assistant John Heitinga in November.

Grim was the former Everton defender’s assistant manager, and he has since taken over on an interim basis.

Problems have remained for the Dutch giants, however, with Eredivisie leaders PSV Eindhoven holding an 18-point gap over the 36-time winners.

Qualification for the Champions League now appears to be the only realistic goal, and Ajax are considering moves for players in the Premier League this month to aid those aims.

De Telegraaf reported on Wednesday that sporting director Marijn Beuker has flown to Turkey to discuss moves for Leon Bailey, former Arsenal man Lucas Torreira and Edson Alvarez.

Also on his list, moves for Man United’s Manuel Ugarte, Liverpool’s Wataru Endo, and Arsenal’s Christian Norgaard are “seriously considered”, according to the paper.

Ajax’s chances of raiding Premier League giants

There is little chance of Arsenal allowing Norgaard to leave this month, despite the Dane’s lack of minutes.

The 31-year-old has made just 11 appearances across all competitions this season, but represents the very limited depth the Gunners have for Martin Zubimendi.

It is much of a similar story for Endo, who has spent much of the season injured but remains one of the only alternatives Arne Slot has to Ryan Gravenberch.

Ugarte, on the other hand, could be a potential option to leave Man United. The Red Devils have the capacity to look elsewhere in the market this month, and have just 16 games left to play this season.

Should Ajax be hoping to take a defensive midfielder from the Premier League this month, the Uruguayan may well be their best bet.