Key Takeaways:
- Stade Rennais submitted an opening bid exceeding €20 million for Brian Brobbey, as reported on Monday
- Ajax are open to negotiating Brobbey’s transfer and seek funds to bolster the squad, prioritising a controlling midfielder
- The 23-year-old forward netted only seven goals in 40 matches for Ajax during the 2024/25 campaign
Transfer Competition Heats Up for Brobbey
Stade Rennais have made an initial offer surpassing €20 million for Ajax striker Brian Brobbey, according to reports from Johan Inan in Algemeen Dagblad. Brobbey, who has shown an interest in departing Ajax, is the subject of interest from several clubs after Stade Rennais completed the sale of Arnaud Kalimuendo to Nottingham Forest earlier on Monday.
The French club now faces significant competition in pursuit of the eight-time Dutch international, with Stuttgart, AS Roma, Sunderland, and several unnamed clubs from Saudi Arabia also believed to be in the mix. Ajax are prepared to negotiate further for Brobbey’s services, but are intent on securing a higher fee than the initial bid.
⚠️ NIEUWS: Stade Rennais heeft interesse in Brian Brobbey. De Franse club wil €20 miljoen betalen. [@JohanInan] #Ajax pic.twitter.com/8pdfCf7Vil
— Ajax News Zone (@AjaxNewsZone) August 18, 2025
Ajax’s Transfer Strategy and Squad Overhaul
Following a disappointing 2024/25 season for Brobbey, during which he managed only seven goals in 40 matches across all competitions, Ajax are looking to refresh their squad. The club’s hierarchy has prioritised recruiting a new controlling midfielder, as they continue to negotiate a potential loan deal for West Ham United’s Edson Alvarez.
Funds raised from any potential Brobbey transfer are earmarked to strengthen other key positions. Besides seeking a replacement striker, Ajax are reportedly scouting prospective candidates in Belgium, Germany, and Italy. The recruitment drive also extends to identifying a left-footed defender to provide additional options at the back.
Brobbey’s Struggles and Career at Ajax
Brian Brobbey returned to Amsterdam in 2022, having previously left Ajax for RB Leipzig the year before. Despite a prolific start, where he tallied 43 goals in 126 appearances for Ajax since 2022, the most recent campaign saw a notable dip in form. Brobbey netted just four times in the Eredivisie last season while accumulating seven goals across all competitions.
Although the striker is reported to be seeking an exit from Ajax, it remains uncertain if Brobbey is interested in joining Stade Rennais at this stage.
