Julian Brandt Joins Ajax From Dortmund Until June 2029

A new chapter begins for one of Germany’s most creative midfielders — Julian Brandt is now an Ajax player. Ajax Amsterdam has officially signed German attacking midfielder Julian Brandt on a free transfer, with a contract extending for three seasons until June 30, 2029. Ajax succeeded in completing the signing of Brandt after overtaking Leeds United in the race for the experienced midfielder. Brandt had also attracted interest from Fulham, with both clubs linked with moves for the versatile attacker earlier in the summer. However, it was Ajax who ultimately won the race.

End of the Dortmund Era

Brandt spent seven seasons with Dortmund, making 307 appearances after joining from Bayer Leverkusen in 2019 for a reported €25m. Borussia Dortmund managing director Lars Ricken confirmed that BVB would not be renewing Brandt’s existing contract, which expired on 30 June 2026.

Since the start of the 2019-20 season, Brandt directly contributed to more goals than any other Dortmund player across all competitions — 124 in total, comprising 57 goals and 67 assists — while also leading in assists. Among all Bundesliga players in that time, he recorded the fourth-most assists in the German top-flight (50) and created the third-most chances from open play (265).

He remained an influential figure in his final season despite Dortmund’s inconsistency, contributing 11 goals and four assists across 41 matches.

Detail	Info
Player	Julian Brandt
From	Borussia Dortmund
To	Ajax Amsterdam
Transfer Fee	Free Agent
Contract Until	30 June 2029
Contract Length	3 Years
Age at Signing	30

Brandt’s Dortmund Career at a Glance

Season	Apps	Goals	Assists
2019/20	33	3	7
2020/21	31	3	2
2021/22	31	9	8
2022/23	32	9	8
2023/24	32	7	11
2024/25	30	5	10
Total (All Comps)	307	57	67

Why Ajax? Jordi Cruyff Speaks Out

Ajax’s sporting director Jordi Cruyff commented on the deal, stating that Ajax had been in talks with Brandt for several months and that he also had the opportunity to join other clubs, adding: “By signing Julian, we are getting a top-class international player with great experience and a fantastic mentality.”

Brandt adds experience, more creativity and leadership to the squad — qualities Ajax desperately need as they look to rebuild.

A Club in Rebuild Mode

The overhaul follows a disastrous 2025/26 campaign in which Ajax finished fifth in the Eredivisie — the club’s joint-lowest league finish since 1963 — and they were forced to secure Europa Conference League qualification through the play-offs.

Ajax have already shown encouraging signs under new manager Michel, comfortably progressing to the third qualifying round of the Europa Conference League after brushing aside Serbian side Vojvodina Novi Sad 8-2 on aggregate.

Brandt is Ajax’s fifth signing this summer, along with Tolu Arokodare, Marcos Leonardo, Caio Henrique and the return of Daley Blind.

Ajax Summer 2026 Signings

Player	Position	Type
Daley Blind	Defender/Midfielder	Return
Caio Henrique	Left-Back	Transfer
Marcos Leonardo	Forward	Transfer
Tolu Arokodare	Striker	Transfer
Julian Brandt	Attacking Midfielder	Free Agent

A Historic Arrival in Amsterdam

Brandt’s arrival makes him the ninth German player to represent Ajax. Among the German footballers to have played for the Amsterdam club in the 21st century are Diant Ramaj, Heiko Westermann and Amin Younes. Ajax’s activity in the transfer market is also expected to continue with another German arrival.

The 30-year-old had spent the last seven seasons with Borussia Dortmund, previously playing six seasons with Bayer Leverkusen, and has made 48 international appearances for the German national team.