São Paulo drop interest in Fortaleza's relegated defender 🇳🇱 | OneFootball

São Paulo even tried. It was all or nothing in the last days of 2025. But Ajax's delay, from the Netherlands, in giving a positive response was tiring. And the Morumbi club decided this Thursday (2) to permanently end negotiations to sign defender Gastón Ávila, who was relegated with Fortaleza in the last Brazilian Championship.

As AVANTE MEU TRICOLOR found out, the final straw was another inconclusive response from Ajax regarding the latest proposal sent for the player.

After back and forth with the Europeans, who initially indicated they would accept the São Paulo offer, but later even mentioned proposals from Belgium and the USA, São Paulo's directors decided to increase the offer to finally unlock the deal.

According to AVANTE MEU TRICOLOR, São Paulo maintained the amount of 3.5 million euros (about R$ 22.5 million), but modified the payment method. Part of this amount would be paid in 2026, as compensation for a one-season loan. The rest would be part of the clause for a definitive purchase after the loan period, if goals are met.

The issue now was São Paulo's offer to pay just over 60% of the salaries, as a way to compensate for the advance payment they would make to the Dutch. This caused some friction.

Ávila and his staff want to stay in Brazilian football and approved the idea of playing for São Paulo. It was by the player's own will, for example, that the Belgian football offer was rejected.

After the Tricolor's negotiation with the 24-year-old defender leaked, the club only faced setbacks. After the staff indicated that Ajax would accept maintaining the agreement they had with Fortaleza for this year (free loan and only part of the salaries paid), the Dutch became more resistant than expected.

First, they informed Ávila's agents that they had plans to use him. Then, they informed that there were proposals from the USA and Belgium. São Paulo increased its offer and guaranteed to pay the Argentine's salaries in full. But it seemed to be insufficient, hence this further tug of war.

Finally, last week, after the staff insisted on São Paulo, Rosário Central appeared, precisely where the Argentine is an idol. But so far, no official proposal has been made to Ajax by them.

Ávila played in the last Brazilian Championship for Fortaleza and will not remain at the northeastern club after their relegation to Serie B. The Argentine is a suggestion from coach Hernán Crespo, interested in the player's quality in playing on the left side (being able to act as a full-back).

Revealed by Boca Juniors, Ávila has a contract until June 2028 with Ajax. He played in 34 matches throughout the year for Fortaleza, which paid 50% of his salaries.

The search for a defender shows that it is unlikely all the current squad members in that position will remain. As AMT has already revealed, Arboleda's agent, for example, is traveling looking for proposals for the Ecuadorian. Before Ávila, the Tricolor inquired about Jemmes, from Mirassol, but the costs for his release are beyond what São Paulo can afford at the moment.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.