AFC Ajax have signed Argentine defender Gerónimo Spina on a free transfer. The 21-year-old centre-back joins from Atlético Madrid, as reported by De Telegraaf this week. Ajax will only pay the Spanish club if Spina meets certain performance-related targets during his contract in Amsterdam.
The move is part of an active summer for technical director Jordi Cruijff, who is significantly rejuvenating the squad. Jong Ajax finished bottom of the Keuken Kampioen Divisie last season, highlighting the need for fresh talent. Alongside Spina, the club has already signed left-back Fouad Zahouani (20) from Union Touarga for 500,000 euros. Midfielder Jano Monserrate (20) and defensive midfielder Abdoulaye Camara (17) also arrived, on a free from Atlético and on loan from Udinese respectively. Striker Diego Pugno (20) was loaned from Juventus and immediately scored four goals in his first four matches for Jong Ajax.
What does the Gerónimo Spina deal look like?
The agreement for Gerónimo Spina is a so-called 'free transfer with add-ons'. Ajax will not pay Atlético Madrid an upfront fee. Instead, bonuses have been agreed that depend on future performances. The exact maximum amount the Madrid club could receive has not been disclosed. Spina played for Atlético for three years but failed to break into the first team. The Argentine defender bid farewell to his former club. "It is time to say goodbye to this fantastic club, which I have proudly represented for three years," Spina said.
Where does Spina fit into the current Ajax squad?
The arrival of Spina strengthens the defensive options for coach John Heitinga. Ajax currently sit seventh in the Eredivisie with four points from two games. The team has scored four goals and conceded two. The Godenzonen are five points behind leaders AZ Alkmaar. The defence could certainly use some solidity. Spina will likely have to bide his time initially, earning minutes with Jong Ajax or competing for a spot in the first team's central defence. Fans can follow the full squad on our squad page.
What does this mean for the rest of the season?
This youth-focused overhaul led by Jordi Cruijff is clearly aimed at the future. The immediate focus now shifts to the upcoming league fixtures. Ajax play their next match away to Telstar on August 30. Telstar are currently thirteenth in the table. A win is important to prevent the gap to the leaders from widening. The current league standings can always be found on our standings page. The arrivals of Spina and other young talents should, in time, provide more quality and depth. The early signs at Jong Ajax are positive, given the quick adaptation of loanee Diego Pugno.
The club hopes the investment in youth will pay off quickly. The coming weeks will show how fast the new signings can integrate. The full schedule of upcoming matches can be consulted via our fixtures planner. The transfer of Gerónimo Spina is a low-risk reinforcement with significant potential future value for Ajax.
