Argentine defender Gerónimo Spina, aged 21, was unveiled as a new Ajax signing on September 2, 2026, following his spell at Atletico Madrid. The young centre-back, a product of Estudiantes de La Plata, signed a contract with the Dutch club that will run until 2028, as reported by the Argentine outlet Ole.
Ajax welcomed Spina on social media with a post featuring an Argentine flag emoji. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid used its official channels to bid farewell to the player. "From the club we wish him the best of luck in this new professional challenge and we thank him for all his work, effort and commitment during these seasons as a rojiblanco," El Colchonero posted.
How did Spina arrive at Atletico Madrid?
Gerónimo Spina left Estudiantes in 2023 amid a major conflict with the Argentine club's management. The player moved to Europe in mid-2023 without having signed his first professional contract with Estudiantes, a departure facilitated by the patria potestad managed by his family and representation. Estudiantes reacted strongly to the youth player's exit. The institution accused Atletico Madrid of "taking without any permission a youth player developed from a very young age in our institution."
The Argentine club argued that the Spanish side exploited legal protection gaps and described the move as opportunistic and greedy. Estudiantes stated the situation was known to the player, his entourage, and his representation, and that the move did not reflect the values promoted by the club, emphasizing that a sense of belonging is its registered trademark.
What is Atletico Madrid's current context?
While Spina begins his adventure in Amsterdam, Atletico Madrid is tackling the start of the 2026/27 season from a strong position. Diego Simeone's team sits third in La Liga with 7 points, from two wins and a draw in their first three matches. Their recent form reads win, draw, win (WDW).
The team's goal difference is positive, with 7 scored and only 3 conceded, for a +4 differential. In the title race, the colchoneros are just 2 points behind leaders Barcelona. Fans can track the team's progress on our standings page.
What is Atletico's next challenge?
Atletico Madrid's immediate task is a trip to San Mamés to face Athletic Club on September 5, 2026. The Bilbao side, currently twelfth in the table, always presents a tough challenge at their home ground. This match will be key to maintaining their pace at the top of the standings. All information on upcoming fixtures is available in our fixtures calendar.
The departure of Gerónimo Spina closes a chapter in the rojiblanca youth setup, while the first team focuses on the immediate challenges of competition. The defender's contract with Ajax is set for two full seasons.
