Sunderland’s dramatic deadline day swoop for Ajax duo Brian Brobbey and Bertrand Traoré has sparked debate in the Netherlands, with Voetbal International editor-in-chief Freek Jansen suggesting the Black Cats may have rushed into one of the deals without thorough scouting.
The Premier League newcomers made headlines by securing Brobbey for €20 million plus bonuses and Traoré for €3 million, bolstering their attacking options in the final hours of the summer transfer window. While Ajax technical director Alex Kroes hailed the financial success of the double sale, Jansen’s comments have raised eyebrows over Sunderland’s approach — particularly regarding Traoré.
💬 “They Probably Checked Transfermarkt”
Speaking on Voetbalpraat, Jansen claimed Sunderland’s interest in Traoré came as a byproduct of their negotiations for Brobbey. With time ticking down before the English market closed at 8pm Dutch time, the Black Cats were reportedly still searching for a number 10 and a winger.
“Sunderland probably checked Transfermarkt and saw that Traoré had scored against PSV last year,” Jansen quipped. “They thought: gotcha — and that was quickly finalised too.”
The implication was clear: Sunderland may have leaned heavily on surface-level stats rather than a deeper evaluation of Traoré’s recent form or fit within Régis Le Bris’ tactical setup.
🔄 Ajax’s Financial Win, Sporting Questions
Jansen acknowledged Ajax’s success in turning a profit, especially given Traoré had joined the club on a free transfer just a year earlier. However, he also noted that the club’s sporting direction had suffered in recent windows — something Kroes himself admitted in a recent interview.
“Last summer went very well for Ajax, financially speaking. Sportingly is a different story,” Jansen said. “From the next transfer window onward, more focus can be placed on the sporting aspect.”
⚽ Sunderland’s Perspective
From Sunderland’s side, the acquisitions of Brobbey and Traoré were part of a broader strategy to inject experience and firepower into their squad. Brobbey, 23, arrives with a growing reputation as a powerful striker, while Traoré brings Premier League experience from his time at Aston Villa and Chelsea.
While the suggestion that Sunderland relied on Transfermarkt may be tongue-in-cheek, it reflects the rapid nature of deadline day dealings — where clubs often make opportunistic moves based on availability and immediate needs.
🔮 What Comes Next?
Whether Traoré proves to be a shrewd signing or a short-term gamble remains to be seen. Sunderland fans will hope that both he and Brobbey can make an impact as the club looks to establish itself in the Premier League.
As for Ajax, the financial boost from the double sale may help them refocus on sporting priorities in future windows — but the scrutiny over their outgoing deals is unlikely to fade anytime soon.