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Gaston Ávila’s Ajax Saga Continues: São Paulo Transfer Hits Roadblock, Argentine Defender Eyes Home

the highly anticipated transfer of Argentine defender Gaston Ávila from Dutch giants Ajax to Brazilian powerhouse São Paulo has officially been called off, according to multiple reports emerging from Brazil. While Ajax has been keen to offload the 24-year-old left-footed centre-back, Ávila himself has reportedly put the brakes on the move, citing a singular, significant reason: a desire to return to his native Argentina.

Ávila arrived at the johan Cruyff Arena in the summer of 2023 with considerable fanfare, a €12.5 million acquisition orchestrated by then-director of football affairs Sven Mislintat. However, his tenure in Amsterdam has been marred by a failure to consistently impress on the pitch and, crucially, a serious knee injury that sidelined him for an extended period. He only managed to return to competitive action at the beginning of 2025.

Following his recovery, Ajax sought to find a new home for the defender, loaning him to Brazilian club Fortaleza for the 2025 season. This loan spell has now concluded, leaving outgoing technical director Alex Kroes once again tasked with finding a solution for Ávila, who remains under contract with Ajax until mid-2028.

Earlier this week, reports from Football International indicated that São Paulo had lodged an offer with Ajax. However, negotiations reportedly stalled over the finer details, with Ajax pushing for a permanent sale while the Brazilian club favored a loan agreement. This divergence in objectives created a significant hurdle.

UOL Esporte further elaborated on the financial complexities, suggesting that Ajax’s salary demands exceeded São Paulo’s willingness to pay. The Brazilian club’s attempt to replicate the cost-sharing arrangement from Ávila’s previous loan to Fortaleza, where wages were split, was reportedly rebuffed by the Amsterdam club.

Ávila’s Stance: A Return to Argentina is the Priority

The latest developments suggest that the player himself has now taken control of the narrative. According to Brazilian media outlets, Gaston Ávila has personally halted discussions with São Paulo.His stated preference is clear: a return to his homeland.

“The player himself has indicated that he only wants to return to Argentina.”

– Brazilian media Reports

This revelation shifts the focus entirely.While Ajax may have been looking for a financial solution or simply to free up salary cap space, Ávila’s personal aspirations are now the primary driver. His prosperous stint at Fortaleza, where