Ajax and Rayane Bounida, an eighteen-year-old Belgian, are close to reaching an agreement on a new contract. Voetbal International has reported a breakthrough despite the difficulties posed by the club's new financial circumstances. Ajax has been making persistent efforts over the past months to renew the playmaker's expiring contract, which has been challenging due to Bounida's already significant salary. Nonetheless, a breakthrough suggests Ajax's strong commitment to keeping the promising young player. Bounida, who joined Ajax from Anderlecht in the summer of 2022, has been impressive this season, scoring four goals and providing one assist in six Keuken Kampioen Divisie matches. His performances have led to his inclusion in the match squad for De Klassieker under coach Francesco Farioli, although he has yet to make his debut. This inclusion clearly signals the club's intention to offer him a bright future at Ajax.