Ajax adds Juventus striker on loan, with buy option

Ajax have secured a season‑long loan for 20‑year‑old striker Diego Pugno from Juventus, adding him to their Jong Ajax side in Amsterdam, with a purchase option built into the deal. The move was announced today at 11:12 and aims to give the young forward first‑team experience after progressing through Juventus' youth ranks.

The deal runs for one year, with Ajax retaining the option to purchase Pugno permanently at the end of the loan. The Amsterdammers will evaluate his progress before deciding on a permanent transfer.

Pugno, a twenty‑year‑old forward, has come through several Juventus youth squads but has not yet featured for the senior side. De striker now seeks regular minutes with Jong Ajax to accelerate his development.

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By joining Jong Ajax, the player will compete in the Dutch reserve league, gaining the experience that eluded him in Italy. The move is intended to bridge the gap between youth football and top‑level competition.

The loan was announced Vandaag, confirming the club’s intent to bolster its promise squad. Ajax technical director Jordi Cruijff has previously reinforced the Jong side by signing left‑back Fouad Zahouani and midfielder Jano Monserrate from Atlético Madrid.

If Pugno impresses during his season in Amsterdam, Ajax can activate the purchase clause, turning the loan into a permanent signing. The arrangement reflects the club’s strategy of nurturing young talent through targeted loans.