Belgian‑Dutch football transfer market

In late July 2026 Belgian clubs continued active summer dealings, highlighted by Arsenal and Beşiktaş completing a €20 million purchase of Leandro Trossard and Anderlecht scouting free‑transfer options such as Romelu Lukaku while keeping tabs on Nathan Ngoumou, Charles De Ketelaere and youngster Jesse Bisiwu. Borussia Dortmund’s record bid for Genk prospect Kos Karetsas also remained on the table.

Ajax Amsterdam’s focus sharpened further on the midfield front. After formally offering free‑agent Julian Brandt a contract, the club’s pursuit of Dani Ceballos collapsed when Real Madrid and the Spanish midfielder could not reach an agreement. Ajax retained interest in Croatian midfielder Toni Fruk of HNK Rijeka, acknowledging competition from Premier League suitors, and reiterated the need for a “number six’’ and a creative playmaker to reinforce the centre of the squad. The Dutch side’s goalkeeper hunt remained stalled, with Barcelona’s Marc‑André Ter Stegen negotiations hitting impasses over salary and Financial Fair‑Play constraints.

Overall, both Belgian and Dutch clubs persisted in negotiating multiple high‑profile moves, with Ajax shifting from a broad attacking‑signing strategy to a concentrated midfield‑building plan amid competition from clubs across Europe.