RCD Espanyol academy product Leo Salazar has joined Ajax Amsterdam on a season-long loan. The deal, reported by Mundo Deportivo, includes a purchase option for the Dutch club at the end of the 2026-27 campaign.
The move was finalized just after the Spanish summer transfer window closed on Tuesday at 23:59. Ajax, managed by Míchel Sánchez, has an additional 24-hour window after the Spanish deadline to complete signings, which they used to secure the 19-year-old winger. This transaction occurs as Espanyol's first team sits 11th in La Liga, with 3 points from one win and two losses in their opening three matches.
Who is Leo Salazar?
Leo Salazar is a 19-year-old winger from Barcelona who has spent nearly ten years developing in RCD Espanyol's youth academy. He has been a regular for the reserve team, known as 'La 21' or the blanquiazul filial, over the last two seasons. During that time, the player made 43 appearances and accumulated close to 1,700 minutes for the B team, showcasing his progression within the club's structure.
His loan departure comes as Espanyol's first team looks to stabilize after an inconsistent start. The team has scored 5 goals and conceded 4, giving them a +1 goal difference, but they trail league leaders Barcelona by 6 points. The next test is a tough home fixture against Sevilla, who are sixth in the table, on 6 September, a match you can follow on our fixtures page.
What is Carlos García's role at Ajax?
An interesting connection in this deal is the presence of Carlos García on Ajax's coaching staff. García trained in Espanyol's youth academy and played three matches for the first team in the 2003-04 season. His debut, notably, was against Real Madrid, a match Espanyol lost 2-1. He also featured in another defeat to the same opponent, this time 2-4. His knowledge of the club and its academy may have been a factor in Ajax's decision.
How does this move affect Espanyol?
Salazar's loan represents another exit for a young talent, though with the possibility of a return if Ajax does not trigger the buy option. Sergio Escario of Mundo Deportivo noted: "Siguen los movimientos en el RCD Espanyol pese a que, en nuestro fútbol, el mercado de fichajes estival cerró este martes a las 23:59h." The club thus maintains transfer activity despite the official closure, focusing on managing its youth assets.
This move allows the player to gain experience at a prestigious club and league like Ajax, while Espanyol monitors his development from afar. The team of Míchel Sánchez, former Girona manager, trusts it can enhance the Barcelona-born winger's qualities. Meanwhile, Espanyol concentrates on its next league challenge. The current squad, which you can view on the team page, prepares for the clash against Sevilla with the aim of earning their first home points this season and improving their place in the standings.
The match against Sevilla is scheduled for Sunday, 6 September 2026, at RCD Espanyol's stadium.
