Regardless of who you support, it’s hard not to feel sorry for Oleksandr Zinchenko after his move from Arsenal to Ajax earlier this month.
Soccer News cover the Ukrainian today and, it’s fair to say, his current situation is nothing but heartbreaking.
Zinchenko departed Arsenal at the end of the January transfer window, after cancelling a loan deal at Nottingham Forest. He eventually joined Ajax on a deal until the end of the season.
That took some complicated last-minute dealing from the Dutch giants, which Sport Witness covered extensively at the time. The plan for everyone was clear.
Arsenal exit was positive
Zinchenko secured regular playing time, Ajax acquired the experience they needed, and Arsenal cleared the 29‑year‑old from their books. It was very much a win, win and win.
Disaster was waiting around the corner, though. An ACL rupture on his home debut for Ajax has ruled Zinchenko out for the rest of the season.
He will require surgery and is expected to be sidelined for six to seven months. It’s a major blow for everyone involved, particularly Ajax.
“Everyone was crazy”
According to journalist Johan Inan, they had been very positive about the move after Zinchenko arrived from Arsenal on deadline day.
“From what I heard from people at Ajax, he arrived and was really looking forward to it,” he said.
“He was really looking forward to the coming six months and immediately took the young players by the hand. Ajax actually wanted to sign an experienced control player, but that didn’t work out, but Zinchenko immediately took on that leadership role.
“This is a real blow for Ajax. You’re now back with Wijndal, although Tomiyasu – if he gets more rhythm – can also play on that wing. But this is a major setback.
“You have to consider Zinchenko Ajax’s most important winter signing. Within the first ten days, they already felt: this is exactly what we were looking for. Everyone was crazy about him.”