Oscar Gloukh Faces Stiff Competition for Playing Time at Ajax

Israeli midfielder Oscar Gloukh is facing increased competition for a starting spot at Ajax, despite a promising start to the season. While Gloukh is still getting playing time, his role has diminished recently as the competition for places in the lineup intensifies.

Gloukh joined Ajax in the summer of 2025, aiming to bolster the team's attacking creativity after two successful seasons with Red Bull Salzburg, where he contributed to 23 and 19 goals respectively. In his first season in Amsterdam, he made 39 appearances, starting 24 games, and recorded nine goals and seven assists.

However, Dutch outlet FootballTransfers reports that Gloukh's natural position as an attacking midfielder is currently occupied by Julian Brandt. Gloukh has been shifted to the left wing, but faces significant competition there as well, especially with the anticipated return of Sontje Adingra. The Dutch publication suggests Gloukh will struggle to secure a regular place in the starting lineup.

FootballTransfers noted that while Gloukh can play on the left wing, the role may not suit him as well, as manager Michel Sanchez prefers wingers to maintain width. This could hinder Gloukh's ability to showcase his skills as effectively as he did as an attacking midfielder, placing him in a difficult situation at Ajax. The outlet anticipates Gloukh will find himself behind Adingra, who is expected to return in October and likely be the first choice on the left wing.

Furthermore, the report highlights a decline in Gloukh's output since being moved to a wider position. As an attacking midfielder, he scored four goals and provided one assist, but his contribution has decreased on the left wing. He is sometimes holding the ball too long and making decisions too late, whereas the team's system requires quick play and maintaining width.

Despite the current challenges, FootballTransfers did not rule out the possibility of Gloukh regaining a more significant role later in the season, acknowledging that form, injuries, and tactics can alter the hierarchy. They stated that Gloukh is not a superfluous player, but his ideal position is currently taken, and the left-wing role is less suitable for him.