Former Arsenal star Oleksandr Zinchenko returns to train at Ajax as free agent
· Yahoo Sports
Ajax have confirmed that former Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko has returned to training with the club as he continues his recovery from a serious knee injury.
Zinchenko’s contract with the Dutch club expired at the end of last season, but the club has allowed him to use their facilities to continue his rehabilitation.
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The 29-year-old Ukrainian left Arsenal in February 2026 after six years with the Premier League side.
He joined the Gunners from Manchester City in 2019 and made 91 appearances for the club, notching three goals and five assists while playing as both a left-back and a midfielder.
Zinchenko struggled for regular playing time during a loan spell at Nottingham Forest in the 2025/26 season.
His time at the City Ground was cut short before he moved to the Netherlands to join Ajax on a short-term deal. However, his time in Amsterdam was also disrupted by injury.
The Ukrainian international suffered a serious knee problem during his second appearance for Ajax against Fortuna Sittard, bringing his season to an early end.
His contract subsequently expired on June 30, making him a free agent. The club confirmed on social media that the former Arsenal player had returned to training with the first-team squad.
His current arrangement is not a formal playing contract, meaning he has not yet committed his future to the Dutch side.
It remains to be seen whether Ajax will offer him a new contract once he has regained full fitness.
For now, the priority is helping the experienced defender complete his rehabilitation and return to competitive football.
His continued presence at the club also allows him to maintain his fitness while considering his next career move.
Zinchenko thanked Ajax for supporting him throughout his recovery.
He also thanked the club’s leadership, coaching staff and other employees for allowing him to continue his rehabilitation in Amsterdam.
“I would like to say a massive thank you to Jordi Cruijff, coach Michel Sánchez and everyone at Ajax for giving me the opportunity to complete my rehabilitation and get back on track,” he said.
“I’m truly grateful to everyone at the club for the warm welcome and incredible support throughout this journey. It means a lot to me.”