FC Andorra Nears Deal for Ajax Striker Julian Rijkhoff

FC Andorra striker Julian Rijkhoff has acknowledged the challenges of competing in Spain's Segunda División, describing it as a "very tough league with many good teams and highly competitive."

The 21-year-old Dutch forward, arriving on loan from Ajax with an option to buy until June 30, was officially presented at the Nou Estadi de la FAF in Encamp on Monday. He was joined by his partner, agents, and Jaume Nogués, who made his first appearance of the season at such an event. Rijkhoff debuted for the club on Sunday.

Club officials have outlined a clear plan for his role, with the technical staff expecting him to lead the attack. He emphasised his determination to earn a starting place, stating he must prove himself as the primary option up front. Rijkhoff positions himself as a team-oriented centre-forward who drops deep to receive, plays with his back to goal, links with teammates, attacks spaces, and thrives inside the penalty area.

The team's possession-based style, which mirrors elements of Ajax and Barcelona, influenced his decision. Discussions with Gerard Piqué and Jaume Nogués further convinced him of his suitability for the squad. Among his role models are Luis Suárez, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Kasper Dolberg, and Dušan Tadić.

Rijkhoff comes off a productive loan at Almere City in the Dutch Keuken Kampioen Divisie, where he scored 17 goals—figures now reported as 17 rather than the previously cited 19. A knee injury limited him to fewer appearances, and the side missed promotion. The Netherlands youth international has 11 senior outings for Ajax, including a Conference League match against Bodø/Glimt in February 2024.

He is eager to work under coach Carles Manso and compete for minutes with Lautaro de León, Aitor Uzkudun, Jordi Cano, and Moró Sidibé. This is FC Andorra's 10th signing in a squad overhaul connected to Piqué, following Manel Royo and Lautaro Spatz, with four more expected. Midfielder Cerdà may leave, as Ajax coach Míchel sees no first-team future for him.

Rijkhoff's path includes early years at local Purmerend clubs, joining Ajax at age seven in 2012, a 2021 Dortmund youth spell with an under-19 Bundesliga title and 13 Youth League goals, praise despite Marco van Basten's criticism, a Guardian listing among top 2005 talents, and a return to Ajax on a contract to 2028 with an option.