São Paulo end chase for Fortaleza’s relegated defender 🇳🇱 | OneFootball

São Paulo even tried. They went all in during the last days of 2025. But Ajax, from the Netherlands, kept stalling on giving a positive response, and that wore them out. So, the Morumbi club decided this Thursday (2) to definitively end negotiations to sign center-back Gastón Ávila, who was relegated with Fortaleza in the last Brazilian Championship.

According to AVANTE MEU TRICOLOR, the final straw was yet another inconclusive response from Ajax regarding the latest proposal sent for the player.

After back-and-forth with the Europeans, who at first signaled they would accept São Paulo’s offer, but later even mentioned proposals from Belgium and the USA, São Paulo’s directors decided to increase their offer to finally unlock the deal.

According to AVANTE MEU TRICOLOR, São Paulo kept the amount at 3.5 million euros (about R$ 22.5 million), but changed the payment method. Part of this sum would be paid in 2026, as compensation for a one-season loan. The rest would be included in a clause for a permanent transfer after the loan period, if certain targets were met.

The sticking point now was São Paulo’s offer to pay just over 60% of the wages, as a way to offset 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 at the player’s own request, for example, that the offer from Belgian football was rejected.

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

First, they informed Ávila’s agents that they planned to use him. Then, they said there were offers from the USA and Belgium. São Paulo increased their offer and agreed to pay the Argentine’s full salary. But it seemed to be too little, hence the further stretching of negotiations.

Finally, last week, after the staff insisted on São Paulo, Rosario Central appeared—the very club 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, who is interested in the player’s quality on the left side (and his ability to play as a full-back).

Revealed by Boca Juniors, Ávila has a contract with Ajax until June 2028. He played 34 matches for Fortaleza this year, who paid 50% of his wages.

The search for a center-back shows that it’s unlikely all the 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, Tricolor made inquiries about Jemmes, from Mirassol, but the release fee is currently above what São Paulo can afford.

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