Bounida, who played 22 competitive matches for Ajax's first team last season, will start on the bench when Jong Ajax takes on RKC Waalwijk at Sportpark De Toekomst on Friday. This marks the first time this season that he has been part of a matchday squad. The youngster's return to the selection is a step closer to a potential comeback in Ajax's first team under new coach Míchel Sanchez.
Bounida made his debut for Ajax 1 in February, coming on as a substitute in a match against Heracles Almelo. He had previously played alongside Sean Steur, who left Ajax in the summer for Newcastle United in a deal worth around 28 million euros. Bounida's talent has also caught the attention of Borussia Dortmund, but for now, he remains an Ajax player. The club has strengthened its squad with the signings of Julian Brandt and Viktor Tsygankov.