Ajax wants to strengthen its selection and reportedly reached an agreement with Takehiro Tomiyasu on Tuesday. The second winter newcomer is also on his way to the Amsterdam club. However, this is not a new face, as Gastón Ávila said goodbye to Fortaleza fans on Instagram. The Brazilian club rents the Argentinian from Ajax until the end of 2025.
Ávila was brought to Ajax by Sven Mislintat. The now 24-year-old defender came from Royal Antwerp for a fixed amount of no less than 12.5 million euros, but completely flopped in the Johan Cruijff ArenA. To make matters worse, Ávila was also seriously injured, making a quick sale impossible. After eight matches in a year and a half, Ávila still left Ajax, which leased him to Fortaleza.
In one year, Ávila has played a total of 34 matches on behalf of Fortaleza, which negotiated a purchase option for the left-footed stopper. However, due to the relegation, it seems to be more difficult for the Brazilian to take up the purchase option for Ávila. It is not known how high the amount in the contractual agreements was, but it is likely that Ajax wanted to see a significant part back.
Gastón Ávila says goodbye to Fortaleza
Instead of a sum of money, Ajax seems to be able to welcome Gastón Ávila again after the New Year. In a message on Instagram, the left back and central defender said goodbye to Fortaleza’s supporters. “It is difficult to express what I feel because it is a difficult time for everyone,” Ávila wrote, referring to the relegation. “Thank you for the way you received me and I want you to know that you will always have a special place in my heart. Thank you Fortaleza for giving me a chance when many people closed the door.”
UPDATE: ‘Gastón Avila back to Ajax’
Reports are now also filtering through from Brazilian media that Gastón Ávila will not be active for Fortaleza in 2026. According to journalist Afonso Ribeiro, it is expected that the Brazilian relegator will not use the option to buy and that Ávila will return to Ajax. The Amsterdam team is said to be quickly entering into negotiations with the defender, who is still on contract until mid-2028.
