Alex Mendez signs deal with AFC Ajax

Alex Mendez has become the latest player to move to the Eredivisie, The United States youth international midfielder, who turns 19 in September, secured a transfer from SC Freiburg to AFC Ajax, signing the deal today. The deal will keep Mendez at the Johan Cruyff Arena for 3 seasons.

The Los Angeles native began his career in the LA Galaxy academy, making 6 appearances for LA Galaxy II before signing with Freiburg just ahead of the U-20 CONCACAF Championship last fall. At the U-20 CONCACAF Championship, Mendez was a star, scoring 8 goals and adding 6 assists for the U.S. U-20 team as they qualified for the World Cup. Mendez had 13 appearances in all competitions for Freiburg’s U-19 team this season, with 3 goals and an assist. Seeking a move to a club where he would have a chance to make it up to the senior team, he joined the U.S. U-20s for the U-20 World Cup in Poland, where he had 2 assists and had several excellent performances. That was enough to reportedly catch the eyes of teams like Ajax and Real Madrid. In the end, Ajax wanted Mendez and worked out a deal to secure his services.

Alex Mendez will begin his Ajax career with their youth team, Jong Ajax. He will have the inspiration of fellow United States U-20 teammate Sergiño Dest, who starred on Jong Ajax last year and made his first start for the senior team last weekend in the Dutch Super Cup. Mendez will hope he can play well enough for Jong Ajax where both can eventually make regular appearances for the senior team, who are set to begin qualification for the UEFA Champions League group stage next week. With Ajax, Mendez feels he in a better position to eventually get first team minutes and flourish in the Eredivisie, which could give him looks on the United States Men’s National Team. Mendez also is eligible to play for Mexico.

Hit the comments to discuss your thoughts on Mendez’s move to Amsterdam.