Maher Carrizo has signed a 4.5-year contract in Amsterdam. Ajax have reportedly paid €7 million for 50% of Carrizo's transfer rights, and have a €6 million buy option clause for the remaining 50%.
Carrizo, 19, arrives from Argentinian outfit Velez Sarsfield. The youngster debuted for Velez as an 18-year-old in 2024 and since scored 11 goals and provided 3 assists in 52 senior appearances for the Buenos Aires outfit, with whom Carrizo won the league, Supercopa Argentina and Supercopa Internacional in 2024.
In 18 games for the Argentinian Under-20 team, Carrizo scored 9 goals. Carrizo was good for 3 goals and 1 assist during the recent U20 FIFA World Cup.
Enormous potential
Carrizo, who was brought in as the replacement of Spanish winger Raul Moro, who left the club in January after just six months.
Marijn Beuker, Ajax's director of football, is delighted with the arrival of Carrizo.
"Maher is a young player with enormous potential. He can be characterised as a right winger who likes to take on his opponent, cut inside and constantly create danger with dribbles, shots and crosses," Beuker said in a club statement.
According to reports, Carrizo was also a scouting product of Joel Lara, a confidant and scout of newly appointed technical director Jordi Cruyff.
"With his character and energy, he also brings something extra to the squad. During this winter transfer window, it was our priority to strengthen the team in the short term across various positions, while continuing to build for the future."
Ajax are currently out of the title race in the Netherlands, with league leaders PSV 18 points clear of the fourth-placed Amsterdam outfit. After being eliminated from both the UEFA Champions League and KNVB Beker, Ajax's main goal for the rest of the season will be finishing in second and directly qualifying for next year's UEFA Champions League.
Carrizo, who will wear number 7 for Ajax, will get the time to get used to Amsterdam and the club, according to Beuker.
"In the coming period, Maher will be given the space to acclimatise to the level and his new environment. He will get minutes with Ajax U23, but he will also be given opportunities with Ajax's first team, where he can continue to develop through substitute appearances."
