AFC Ajax has loaned Maher Carrizo to FC Copenhagen for one year. The agreement, reported by Voetbal International, does not include a purchase option, underscoring the Amsterdam club's faith in the Argentine winger.
This loan move comes as Ajax prepares for a home match against PSV Eindhoven on September 5th. The Amsterdams are currently ninth in the Eredivisie with four points from two games. They have scored four goals and conceded two, a goal difference of plus two. In the title race, they trail leaders AZ Alkmaar by eight points.
Why is Ajax loaning Carrizo?
The immediate reason for the loan is the strong competition for wing positions at Ajax. Carrizo has yet to find his form since arriving at the beginning of this year. The club sees a full season of playing time in Denmark as the best way to stimulate his development. The absence of a buy option is a clear signal that Ajax believes in the player's long-term future.
Ajax expects Carrizo to be ready to contribute after the loan period. This is particularly relevant as Steven Berghuis's contract expires at the end of this season. The club hopes Carrizo can then step up to fill that role. You can view the current roster on our squad page.
What were the circumstances of his arrival?
Ajax signed Maher Carrizo from Velez Sarsfield on February 3rd of this year. The transfer fee was approximately six million euros. His contract in Amsterdam runs until the summer of 2030. Notably, the transfer was finalized two days after technical director Jordi Cruijff officially started. However, it was the last purchase initiated by his predecessor Alex Kroes and the then director of football Marijn Beuker.
How has Carrizo performed so far?
The Argentine youth international has played eight official matches for Ajax so far. In those appearances, he did not score any goals or provide any assists. For the Argentina Under-20 team, he has eighteen caps to his name. The club emphasizes that this lack of output is the primary reason for sending him out to gain experience elsewhere.
The season's statistics so far show Ajax is still searching offensively, with four goals in two league matches. The coming weeks are important for the club, with a view to the standings and upcoming fixtures.
What does this mean for the rest of the season?
With Carrizo departed, the wings remain occupied by players like Berghuis, who is in his final season, and other options. The loan gives the technical staff room to evaluate the rest of the campaign. The immediate focus is now on the important home match against PSV, the second-placed team in the table. A good result there could give the season start a positive boost and reduce the gap to the leaders.
