Last updated: Dec 29, 2025, 7:09 PM
São Paulo has reported to Ajax for Gaston Ávila, reports Tim van Duijn on behalf of Football International. The Brazilian club wants to take over the left back, although negotiations are still difficult. A possible departure of Ávila could pave the way for the arrival of Quilindschy Hartman.
In the summer of 2023, the Argentine was brought to Amsterdam for 12.5 million euros by then director of football affairs Sven Mislintat. However, Ávila failed to make a convincing impression and later suffered a serious knee injury.
He returned to the field at the beginning of this year, after which Ajax decided to rent him out to Fortaleza for one season. That rental period has now ended, which means that outgoing technical director Alex Kroes is once again looking for a solution for the left-footed defender. Ávila is still fixed until mid-2028.
According to VI São Paulo has now officially reported, although ‘the clubs are still arguing about the conditions’. Ajax would prefer to see Ávila leave permanently, but the question is whether that is feasible. His former club Royal Antwerp also previously showed interest.
It seems clear that Ávila has little perspective at Ajax. In the first half of the season, Owen Wijndal was the first choice as left back, but the club is expressly looking for reinforcement in that position. For example, Burnley has already inquired about Hartman, who is reportedly open to a switch to Ajax.
If Ávila actually leaves, the chance of Hartman’s arrival increases further. According to Van Duijn, Ajax and Burnley are currently ‘in full discussions’. The Amsterdam team sees the former Feyenoord player as the best available option for the left back position.
While there was previously talk of a rental construction, Ajax now seems to be aiming for more certainty. “Ajax would rather not just rent a player,” said Van Duijn. “The question is therefore whether an option to purchase can be negotiated and whether Hartman himself is open to a longer stay in Amsterdam.”
