Ajax’s Record Signing Marcos Leonardo Needs Time, Says Coach Michel After Friendly Debut

Ajax’s new Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo made his first appearance for the club in a 2-1 friendly victory over English side Burnley on Sunday, but the Amsterdam club’s head coach, Michel, has made it clear that the record signing will not be rushed into full action.

Speaking after the game, Michel explained that the 23-year-old forward, who arrived from Santos this summer as Ajax’s most expensive acquisition of the transfer window, is still building up his match fitness. “He does not yet have the strength to play 90 minutes,” the coach told De Telegraaf. “We will not take any risks with him.”

The cautious approach underlines both the investment Ajax has made in the player and the physical demands of European football after a truncated pre-season for the Brazilian.

Key facts

The fitness concerns

Marcos Leonardo joined Ajax after a summer that included a delayed break following his participation in the Campeonato Brasileiro and a brief holiday period. As a result, he arrived in Amsterdam behind his new teammates in terms of conditioning. The coaching staff have therefore designed a gradual integration programme.

During the Burnley friendly, the striker played approximately 45 minutes before being substituted. The match itself was a closely contested affair, with Burnley taking an early lead before Ajax equalised and eventually secured the win. However, the focus was squarely on the new number nine.

Michel noted that the lack of rhythm was visible in certain moments of the match, but he also pointed to the raw talent that convinced Ajax to spend heavily. “You can see the talent and the instinct. He is a natural sambavoetballer,” the coach added, referencing the Brazilian flair associated with the player.

Talent on display

Despite the fitness limitations, those who watched the game could see flashes of the ability that made Marcos Leonardo one of the most sought-after young strikers in South America. His movement off the ball, first touch and awareness in the box stood out during the second half.

At 23, Marcos Leonardo is already an experienced player in Brazil, with over 100 appearances for Santos. He has a reputation for intelligent positioning, a powerful shot and a knack for scoring in big moments. Ajax’s recruitment team identified him as a long-term replacement for the outgoing forwards who left the club in recent windows.

The friendly against Burnley served as a first test against a physical, organised English defence. While he did not score, the forward’s link-up play with midfielders like Kenneth Taylor and Steven Berghuis showed promise.

What this means for Ajax

Ajax’s season is about to begin in earnest, with Eredivisie fixtures and the start of the Europa League qualifying rounds. The club has invested heavily in Marcos Leonardo, making him the marquee signing of the summer. How quickly he adapts will have a direct impact on Ajax’s attacking output.

The coach’s cautious language suggests that fans should not expect the Brazilian to start every match immediately. Instead, he will likely be used as a substitute or gradually introduced to full matches over the coming weeks. This is a deliberate strategy to avoid muscle injuries that often occur when players are rushed back.

For Ajax, the presence of experienced alternatives such as Chuba Akpom or Brian Brobbey (if still at the club) provides cover while Marcos Leonardo builds his fitness. The club’s medical and performance staff are monitoring his workload closely.

Next steps

Marcos Leonardo will continue individual conditioning sessions alongside team training. The next friendly fixture, or the early rounds of the Eredivisie, could offer him more minutes. The coaching staff will assess his progress week by week.

The priority is clear: Ajax’s record investment must be protected, and the player’s long-term success at the club is more important than an immediate impact. For now, the supporters will have to be patient and wait for the Brazilian to reach full match readiness.

Source: De Telegraaf Voetbal – “Ajax-trainer Michel neemt geen enkel risico met peperdure Marcos Leonardo: ’Hij heeft nog niet de kracht om 90 minuten te spelen’” (https://www.telegraaf.nl/sport/voetbal/ajax-trainer-michel-neemt-geen-enkel-risico-met-peperdure-marcos-leonardo-hij-heeft-nog-niet-de-kracht-om-90-minuten-te-spelen/159210109.html)