The young Belgian forward was dropped from the starting lineup just before the match against PEC Zwolle, sparking a storm amid negotiations with PSG. After the match, he clarified everything.
Mika Godts, Ajax's 21-year-old winger, found himself in the spotlight after being unexpectedly dropped from the starting lineup for the Eredivisie season opener against PEC Zwolle on Saturday, August 9, 2026. The situation was immediately linked to ongoing transfer negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain, but both the player and his agent were quick to dismiss such speculation.
Godts was set to start the match, but the decision was changed after the warm-up. His agent, Niels De Jonck, told Index.hr during the game that it was due to overload and that the club didn't want to risk an injury. The player himself explained in detail after the match what had happened.
"I already felt some discomfort during training. We agreed to see how things would go in the warm-up, but it was still bothering me a bit too much. So we decided it was better to play the last 20 minutes than the first 20," Godts said to Tportal.
The Belgian noted that he and coach Míchel Sánchez assessed that there was too much tightness in his hamstring and that it was wiser to save him for the final stretch of the match.
Despite the issues, Godts came on with about twenty minutes left and immediately made an impact. Ajax won 2-0, and it was he who assisted Julian Brandt in stoppage time for the final 2-0. The first goal for the Amsterdam club was scored by Jorthy Mokio after PEC were reduced to ten men early in the second half.
Aware of the rumors swirling, Godts decided to send a clear message. "If I really didn't want to play, I wouldn't have played in the last two matches either. Let the whole world know that. I love Ajax. I grew up here and I'm happy to still be able to play for Ajax," he said.
Although he denied that the transfer was the reason for his absence from the starting eleven, Godts did not hide that talks with the Parisian club exist. Journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed the same day that negotiations between PSG and Ajax have not been broken off.
"Negotiations are ongoing. I won't say it's not true because then no one will take me seriously anymore. But I want to clarify one thing: People might have thought I didn't want to play. As long as the transfer isn't done, I'll play every minute I'm asked to. For Ajax," Godts stated.
According to unofficial information, PSG has sent an offer of around 40 million euros plus bonuses for one of Ajax's best young players, but the Amsterdam club is demanding a significantly higher amount for their player. Last season, Godts scored 17 goals in the Eredivisie and established himself as one of the league's biggest stars.
Coach Míchel Sánchez admitted that the whole situation just before the match somewhat disrupted the team, but he particularly highlighted Godts's professionalism. The young forward, in fact, insisted on staying on the bench so he could help the team if needed in the final stretch, which is exactly what happened.
