Jong Ajax has signed Argentine defender Gerónimo Spina from Atlético Madrid. The 21-year-old centre-back is the latest addition in a summer where technical director Jordi Cruijff has invested significantly in the club's reserve team.
This reinforcement comes as AFC Ajax's first team has made a strong start to the Eredivisie season. The side sits fourth with seven points from three games, following two wins and a draw. They have scored eight goals and conceded just two, for a goal difference of plus six. The next major test is already on the horizon: a home match against PSV Eindhoven on September 5th. You can find this and all upcoming matches on our fixtures page.
Who is Gerónimo Spina?
Gerónimo Spina is a 21-year-old Argentine defender who came through the youth academy at Atlético Madrid. According to Voetbal International, the young Argentine played 28 matches for Atlético Madrileño, the reserve team of the Spanish powerhouse. He also featured seven times in the Youth League. Spina already has experience against Dutch opposition, having played against Feyenoord and AZ in the 2023/24 season. Spina will now play his matches at De Toekomst, where he will work under coach Carlos García.
Which other players joined Jong Ajax?
The arrival of Spina is part of a broader recruitment drive for Jong Ajax this summer. Fouad Zahouani was brought in from Union Touarga and is a left-back. Defensive midfielder Abdoulaye Camara joined on loan from Udinese. From the Atlético Madrid youth setup, attacking midfielder Jano Monserrate was also signed. Another loan signing is striker Diego Pugno, who arrived from Juventus. Pugno made an immediate impact by scoring four goals in his first five matches for Jong Ajax.
How does Spina fit into Cruijff's plan?
Technical director Jordi Cruijff has clearly prioritised strengthening the youth academy and the reserve team this season. The purchase of Spina, a pure centre-back, addresses a specific need. His arrival, alongside specialists like left-back Zahouani and defensive midfielder Camara, gives coach Carlos García more options and depth. These investments are meant to keep Jong Ajax competitive and improve the pathway to the first team. The current composition of all squads can be found on our squad page.
What does this mean for the wider club context?
The activity at Jong Ajax does not exist in a vacuum. The first team started the season well and currently holds fourth place in the standings. They are, however, five points behind leaders AZ Alkmaar, highlighting the challenge for the coming weeks. The immediate focus is on the important home match against second-placed PSV. Live league performance and standings can be followed on our standings page. The arrival of Gerónimo Spina and his new teammates is intended to contribute to the ambitions of the entire club in the long term. The Argentine defender signed a contract for the coming season.
