Belgium, USA may block São Paulo move for Fortaleza defender | OneFootball

If the initial contacts between São Paulo and Ajax from the Netherlands were positive, now the Tricolor's negotiations to have defender Gastón Ávila on a one-season loan have significantly cooled down and are at risk of not materializing.

According to AVANTE MEU TRICOLOR, which gathered information from sources within São Paulo's football management, despite receiving a positive signal from the 24-year-old's agents, the Morumbi club faced significant competition throughout this week.

The setbacks began on Monday (15th), when Ajax informed São Paulo that they planned to integrate the Argentine into their squad. In a poor phase in Dutch football, the European giant is looking to reshape its team and intends to utilize players who were loaned to other teams.

This response led the Tricolor to indicate to the Dutch that they would agree to pay a fee for the player's loan throughout 2026. The initial offer from the Brazilians, which initially excited Ajax, was a free loan with full salary payment. A purchase option was set at 3.5 million euros (approximately R$ 22.3 million) at the end of the period.

However, over the past few days, São Paulo realized that Ajax's withdrawal has, let's say, more lucrative reasons.

Ávila's agents responded from Europe to the Morumbi club that the Dutch have two other offers for the player, both for a permanent transfer: one from Royal Antwerp, currently eighth in the Belgian Championship, and another from an undisclosed MLS franchise, the U.S. league. Ajax does not confirm this information to the Tricolor directors.

Sources from São Paulo tell the report that they are betting on the player's desire, as he is settled in Brazil and interested in continuing his career in the country due to the greater visibility compared to other markets that have shown interest.

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, who is interested in the player's ability to play on the left side (also capable of playing as a full-back).

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

The search for a defender indicates that it is unlikely all current players in that position will remain in the squad. As AMT has already revealed, Arboleda's agent, for example, is traveling in search of offers for the Ecuadorian. Before Ávila, the Tricolor scouted 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.