Arsenal waive fee for 20yo | OneFootball

Alajuelense sporting director Carlos Vela has revealed that Quesada-Thorn joined the club without any payment, thanks to a Arsenal waiving their training fee.

Photo via Alajuelense on Twitter

Carlos Vela, sporting director of Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, has confirmed that Arsenal waived their right to a training compensation fee for the transfer of Elian Quesada-Thorn, allowing the Costa Rican club to sign the 20-year-old left-back on a free.

Despite having spent a decade at Arsenal and being eligible for FIFA-mandated training payments, Quesada-Thorn’s transfer to Alajuelense involved no upfront cost, with Arsenal instead negotiating a future sell-on clause should the player return to Europe.

“Elian arrives through an agreement with Arsenal, where La Liga didn’t have to pay a single cent,” said Vela in comments broadcast prior to the Recopa fixture. “In that sense, I think it was a good negotiation.”

Released at the end of June following injury struggles, Quesada-Thorn had made 11 appearances for Arsenal’s U21s during the 2024–25 season and was a regular at youth international level for Costa Rica.

His dual eligibility for England remains a longer-term consideration, but his immediate ambition is to establish himself in the Costa Rican top flight.

Vela was clear that Arsenal’s decision to waive the fee accelerated the deal. “He clearly has an enviable background,” Vela said. “Players of that calibre will always be attractive to the club.”

Quesada-Thorn, who has signed a two-year contract, was similarly respectful in his farewell to Arsenal. “Thank you Arsenal,” he wrote on social media. “After 10 years, it’s time for a new chapter. Grateful for all the memories made and good luck to everyone at the club. With love, EQT.”

Óscar Ramírez, the club’s head coach, described Quesada-Thorn as “a very interesting young man,” adding, “If he’s been at Arsenal since he was 12, there’s no doubt he’s highly trained and can contribute a lot.”