Ajax seems to be saying goodbye to Gastón Ávila this winter, Johan Inan said on Tuesday morning in the AD Football Podcast. The journalist of it Algemeen Dagblad states that the 22-year-old summer purchase no longer has much perspective in Amsterdam due to the development of Jorrel Hato and the return of Ahmetcan Kaplan. Ávila played ninety minutes for Jong Ajax against Helmond Sport on Monday evening (4-1 win).
Tim van Duijn, journalist from Football International, announced at the beginning of this month that Ajax is already willing to cooperate in the departure of Ávila. The left-footed defender was transferred from Royal Antwerp for 12.5 million euros last summer and is contracted to the Johan Cruijff Arena until mid-2028.
Ávila provided an assist against Helmond Sport on Monday.
Inan now confirms that Ávila no longer has a future at Ajax. “He hasn’t played a second since the coaching change. In fact, from my memory, he is the only one who has not played yet.” According to Inan, Ajax coach John van ‘t Schip sent a clear signal to Ávila during the won home match against Vitesse (5-0).
“In the second half, Van ‘t Schip took the opportunity to give regular reserves such as Salah-Eddine and Medic minutes,” said Inan. “Gastón Ávila was not one of them. Given his age, he can still play for Jong Ajax, so that is why Ajax has decided to let him participate against Helmond Sport. To keep some rhythm.”
Inan wonders whether Ávila will still play for Ajax. “We are heading towards winter and if one purchase is eligible for a transfer, it is Gastón Ávila.” Ávila has indicated to both the dismissed Maurice Steijn and Van ‘t Schip that he no longer wants to play as a left back. The Argentinian only sees himself as a central defender. For that reason too, Inan believes that a rapid exodus from Ávila will be realized.
“If you see how Jorrel Hato is developing there, then you are seen as Ávila,” concludes Inan. “I can imagine that they will look for a solution for this in the winter. This also has to do with the fact that Ahmetcan Kaplan is now on his way back. He has performed very well in the times he has been able to show himself, so that will probably be Jorrel Hato’s backup.” Kaplan, who came over from Trabzonspor for 9.5 million euros in the summer of 2022, is still waiting for his debut for Ajax.
Inan does not rule out that Ávila will first leave Amsterdam on a rental basis, as it remains to be seen whether many clubs are interested in his arrival. If the lefty leaves, a disappointing employment relationship with Ajax will quickly come to an end. The summer purchase of the dismissed technical director Sven Mislintat has so far played 354 minutes in the main squad of the Amsterdam team, spread over 6 appearances.