Ajax’s fall from grace in both domestic and European competition has taken another grim turn, with Remko Pasveer claiming the club still hasn’t recovered from the loss of Jordan Henderson. The goalkeeper has claimed that the ex-Liverpool captain’s leadership “held everything together” and his departure to Brentford has left a void the Dutch giants can’t seem to fill.
Enzo Maresca compared wonderkid Estevao to Cole Palmer after the Brazilian dropped a Champions League masterclass. The teenager, who cost the Blues £29 million from Palmeiras, announced himself to Europe with a dazzling display that left Ajax dazed and the Chelsea faithful dreaming of a bright new era.
Chelsea set a Champions League record during their thrashing of Ajax on Wednesday. Stamford Bridge roared with pride as Chelsea’s young guns produced a night for the ages, dismantling a helpless Ajax side 5-1 in the Champions League. Marc Guiu, Estevao, and Tyrique George, all three still in their teens, etched their names into history with impressive performances across the board.
With the October international break now in the rearview mirror, club football returned in style over the weekend, with some huge clashes headlining Europe's biggest leagues. Manchester United plunged great rivals Liverpool into even deeper crisis in the Premier League, Bayern Munich got the better of Borussia Dortmund in Der Klassiker while there were changes of leader in both Serie A and Ligue 1.
Matthijs de Ligt says he has a “good relationship” with Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim, likening the Portuguese’s straight-talking style to his own personality. The Red Devils boss has faced criticism following the club’s stuttering start to the 2025-26 season but the Netherlands defender insists his manager is not alone in feeling a pressure which naturally comes with representing one of Europe’s elite clubs.
Jordan Henderson's Brentford transfer has reportedly caused behind-the-scenes trouble at Ajax, with the players disrupted by his exit. After his brief and turbulent stint in Saudi Arabia, Henderson had looked to rebuild his career in the Netherlands. Though his early days at Ajax were rocky, the England international eventually found his footing, becoming a consistent figure in the team’s midfield and a respected voice in the dressing room.
Erik ten Hag could make a sensational return to Ajax in January following his failed stint at Bayer Leverkusen. The Dutch giants are under increasing pressure after a poor start under John Heitinga, with fans calling for change. While Ajax’s board are reluctant to act immediately, Ten Hag remains the standout option to steady the ship long-term.
Ajax’s Champions League campaign went from bad to worse on Tuesday night as they were thrashed 4-0 by Marseille at home, their second straight defeat in the competition that has piled even more pressure on their under-fire manager John Heitinga. But despite the humiliation, the Dutchman insists he is not worried about his position at the Eredivisie side.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was at his brilliant best in Marseille’s 4-0 Champions League win over Ajax on Tuesday, but it was his simple act of humility that impressed Roberto De Zerbi as his 'new-spirited' team rounded off a perfect week. The veteran ran the show as the French side ran rampant with their third straight win since they opened their Champions League campaign with a defeat to Real Madrid.
Clear your calendar for Tuesday and Wednesday nights going forward - the Champions League is back as 36 of Europe's best teams prepare to do battle across the continent over the next nine months. Last season's tournament, complete with the brand-new league phase, turned into an epic, and the 2025-26 edition of the premier club competition on the planet promises to be no different.
Chelsea reportedly want Marc Cucurella to play an important role in helping Jorrel Hato settle into the Premier League. The Blues are on the verge of securing the services of the Dutch teenage defender from Ajax, with the two clubs finally settling on a fee that surpasses the €40 million (£34m/$46m) mark. The 19-year-old is expected to undergo a medical soon before becoming part of Enzo Maresca’s evolving Chelsea squad.
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