Wout Weghorst has indicated that his time at Ajax Amsterdam is likely over after the team secured a spot in the Conference League qualifications by defeating FC Utrecht in a playoff final on May 25, 2026.
The striker's contract is expiring, and no concrete discussions for an extension are underway with club management.
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"Ja, dat denk ik wel ja," Weghorst told ESPN when asked if his time in Amsterdam was finished.
He expressed pride in his two-year stint but emphasized that the club needs to establish long-term structure and continuity.
Weghorst acknowledged that qualifying for the second round of the Conference League saved Ajax from a more painful season conclusion, though he noted the path taken should not be considered normal for the club.
Pundits Question World Cup Selection
Despite his club uncertainty, Weghorst remains confident about his international prospects ahead of the World Cup squad announcement by manager Ronald Koeman.
However, prominent football pundits have heavily criticized his potential inclusion.
René van der Gijp of Vandaag Inside argued that national coach Koeman should leave the veteran striker at home to simplify late-game tactics, suggesting, "Gooien lekker Van Dijk naar voren in de laatste tien minuten."
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Valentijn Driessen, a football columnist, questioned Weghorst's ability to serve as a unifying presence within the team: "Waar neem je hem voor mee?
Ook in de groep... Het is niet echt iemand die de hele groep bij elkaar houdt volgens mij."
Johan Derksen added that Weghorst is dissatisfied when on the bench and disrupts the atmosphere, calling him "een dommig werkpaard" who overestimates his abilities.
Despite the criticism, Driessen expects Weghorst will still travel to America based on prior assurances from Koeman, noting that the coach has consistently indicated the striker's inclusion.
Meanwhile, Ajax manager Óscar García praised his squad's mental resilience after the penalty shootout victory, describing their character as "big balls."
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García views the European qualification as a fresh starting point and wishes to remain, but his continuation as head coach is not guaranteed for next season.
