In a significant coup for Dutch football, Ajax has secured the signature of a highly-rated midfielder from Barcelona.
The 16-year-old Spanish prospect, signed on a three-year deal until 2028, marks another strategic acquisition for the Amsterdam club, known for nurturing young talent into global stars.
The player’s move follows the expiration of his contract with Barcelona in June, with Ajax’s ambitious sporting project and competitive financial package proving decisive in luring him away from the Catalan giants.
The young midfielder, Eloi Gomez, emerged as a standout figure in Barcelona’s Cadet A side last season, showcasing his ability to dictate play and control the tempo of matches, as per the official X page of Ajax.
His departure from La Masia was driven by the intense competition for midfield roles within Barcelona’s youth and senior setups, which limited his pathway to first-team opportunities.
Ajax, renowned for their clear development pipeline, offered Gomez a more immediate route to senior football, making the move an appealing step for his career progression.
Ajax’s sporting director, Marijn Breuker, hailed Gomez as a quintessential Ajax-style playmaker.
“He’s a technically gifted player who thrives in attacking systems, with the intelligence to move the ball quickly and link play effortlessly,” Breuker noted on the club’s official website.
Gomez’s ability to orchestrate build-up play with minimal touches aligns perfectly with Ajax’s philosophy of fluid, possession-based football.
Having previously joined Barcelona from Gimnastic de Tarragona, Gomez quickly established himself as a key cog in their youth system, earning praise for his vision and composure.
For Barcelona, losing such a promising talent is a blow, but Ajax’s gain could prove transformative.
As Gomez integrates into their U17 squad, the Dutch club will be hopeful that he develops into a cornerstone of their midfield for years to come.
This signing underscores Ajax’s reputation as a destination for Europe’s brightest young stars, with Gomez poised to shine in Amsterdam’s storied footballing tradition.
Bienvenido, Eloi Gómez Saus! 🇪🇸#ForTheFuture
— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) August 5, 2025
Want to get the latest Barcelona news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
