RB Salzburg expects Gloukh to be transferred, but he is still in the squad for tonight

Ajax and Red Bull Salzburg find themselves in an increasingly tense and closely watched negotiation over the future of Oscar Gloukh, one of the most promising young talents in European football.

While discussions between the two clubs have reached an advanced stage, no final agreement has been signed as of yet. This means that, for the time being, Gloukh remains a Red Bull Salzburg player and is fully involved with the squad as they prepare for a vital European fixture.

On Wednesday evening at 19:00, Salzburg take on Norwegian side SK Brann in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League. Despite the ongoing transfer saga, the 21-year-old Israeli international has been named in the traveling squad and is expected to play a role in the match. The decision to keep him involved at this stage of negotiations speaks volumes about both his professionalism and Salzburg’s commitment to treating him as a key player until any transfer is officially finalized.

In a pre-match interview with the Austrian edition of Sky Sport, Salzburg sporting director Rouven Schröder openly addressed the speculation surrounding Gloukh’s future. “You can never be one hundred percent certain, but it’s more likely that he will leave than stay,” Schröder admitted. “It’s clear that Oscar is a very interesting player for other clubs.” He went on to confirm that Ajax are one of the clubs actively pursuing Gloukh’s signature, though he emphasized that they are not alone. “There is broad interest,” Schröder added, suggesting that Salzburg may be weighing multiple offers behind the scenes.

While the media continues to speculate, Gloukh himself has remained focused on his responsibilities at Salzburg. Head coach Thomas Letsch, who previously managed Dutch side Vitesse, made it clear that external interest will not impact his selection decisions. “It’s funny that the media talks more about Oscar than we do internally,” Letsch said with a smile. “As long as I feel that players can give one hundred percent for our team, they’re definitely options for the starting eleven.”

For Ajax, the urgency to close the deal is growing. The Amsterdam club sees Gloukh as a perfect addition to their new sporting project under head coach Francesco Farioli, bringing technical quality, versatility, and attacking flair to a side that is undergoing a rebuild. Gloukh’s ability to play both as a winger and as a central attacking midfielder fits seamlessly with Ajax’s tactical philosophy, and his age profile aligns with the club’s long-term strategy of developing young, high-potential players into future stars.

A key point of reassurance for Ajax is that even if Gloukh plays in Wednesday’s Champions League qualifier for Salzburg, it won’t jeopardize his eligibility to participate in the same competition with Ajax later this season. UEFA rules allow players to represent two different clubs in European competitions in a single campaign under certain conditions, and Gloukh’s situation falls within those parameters.

Elsewhere in the Salzburg camp, there are injury concerns to contend with. Belgian winger Yorbe Vertessen, who joined the club from PSV Eindhoven, remains a doubt for the clash against SK Brann after picking up a knee injury in their most recent friendly. Although he has traveled with the squad to Norway, it remains uncertain whether he will be fit enough to feature in the matchday squad.

As the hours tick down to kick-off, the spotlight will remain firmly on Gloukh not just for his potential impact on the pitch against Brann, but also for what his future holds. A strong performance could increase his value and spark renewed urgency from Ajax or other suitors. On the other hand, an injury or a cooling of talks could delay or even derail the move entirely.

For now, Salzburg are playing it cool, balancing the importance of a crucial Champions League qualifier with the inevitability that one of their brightest young stars may soon be on the move. Ajax, meanwhile, are doing everything they can to ensure that move ends in Amsterdam.