Report: Dovbyk wanted by former Girona coach Michel at Ajax
Quick summary
Artem Dovbyk is reportedly a transfer target for Ajax, where his former Girona head coach Michel is now in charge.
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Attributed to original sourceArtem Dovbyk continues to be linked with a summer move away from Roma and the latest reports in Italy claim that Ajax head coach Michel, who coached the Ukrainian at Girona, is keen for a reunion in Amsterdam.
Report: Michel keen to bring Dovbyk to Ajax Dovbyk joined Roma in a deal worth €30.5m plus add-ons in the summer of 2024 and went on to score 12 goals from 32 league appearances during his first season at the Stadio Olimpico. His 2025-26 campaign was plagued by injuries, though limiting him to just three starts in the league across the season.
Recent reports claim that Roma are keen to shift the centre-forward, who remains under contract for another three seasons until the summer of 2029.
There have been reports that Genoa are interested in a deal for Dovbyk, which would bring a reunion with his former Giallorossi head coach Daniele De Rossi, but this might be a tricky transfer for the Rossoblu to pull off on financial grounds.
Instead, it is Dovbyk’s former Girona coach, Michel, now in charge at Ajax, who is said to be interested in exploring a deal with Roma.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 02: Artem Dovbyk of AS Roma misses a penalty during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between AS Roma and LOSC Lille at Stadio Olimpico on October 02, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images) Dovbyk scored 24 goals from 36 LaLiga appearances playing under Michel at Girona, which was enough for him to claim the top scorer award in the Spanish top flight in 2023-24.
According to certain reports in Italy, Ajax are keen to bring Dovbyk in on a paid loan deal, but Roma would like to include an obligation to buy. Others claim that Ajax are slightly concerned about the striker’s wage packet and his age: At 29 years old, they are wary of the fact that there might not be much resale value in the future.
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What happened
According to reports, Ajax are interested in signing Ukrainian striker Artem Dovbyk from Roma. The connection is Michel, who previously coached Dovbyk at Girona during their remarkable 2023-24 La Liga campaign, and has now taken over at Ajax. The pair enjoyed a highly productive spell together in Spain, which has fueled speculation that Michel wants to reunite with the striker in Amsterdam.
Chance analysis
Dovbyk had a strong debut Serie A season at Roma after his move from Girona but has been inconsistent. A reunion with Michel, under whom he flourished, could appeal to the player. For Ajax, signing an established European striker would address attacking depth needs, though Roma's valuation and Dovbyk's wages will be key obstacles. This is an early-stage rumor without confirmed negotiations.
If completed, Ajax gain a proven goalscorer familiar with their coach's system, while Roma lose squad depth up front and may need a replacement.
Monitor Roma's attacking depth and Ajax's striker options; this transfer could shift availability for both clubs in early-season fixtures.