The move formalises what had already been a productive relationship: the 20-year-old spent the past two seasons on loan at Barça Atlètic, making 20 appearances, scoring four goals and providing an assist in the club's third-tier reserve side last season. The signing ceremony was attended by José Ramón Alexanko, FC Barcelona's Director of Youth Football.
While that deal is done, Barcelona are also closing in on finalising the exit of goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, whose proposed loan to Ajax has been dragging on for weeks over tax and contractual questions tied to his terms. Both clubs now say those disagreements have been cleared up and expect the move could be completed within days. Ajax coach Míchel already worked with Ter Stegen earlier this year, when the goalkeeper spent a loan spell at Girona that was cut short by a back injury which restricted him to just two appearances.
Míchel addressed the negotiation after Ajax's 2-1 pre-season win over Burnley.
"Everybody knows what's going on. Hopefully he can help us and we'll soon be able to talk about him," Míchel said.
The coach acknowledged that the timeline for completing the loan has slipped but said he remains in daily contact with Ajax sporting director Jordi Cruyff over the club's transfer plans.
"He talks to me daily about the possibilities available, about what's happening... We want to bring in players who can help Ajax grow as a team. We want to make the right decisions, but processes in football are not simple. You have to go step by step."
Ter Stegen, who is 34 and has a Barcelona contract until 2028, played a handful of minutes in Friday's behind-closed-doors friendly against Europa, widely expected to be his final appearance in the Barça shirt.
Barcelona are due to hold a training camp at St George's Park in England running until 3 August, and whether Ter Stegen is included in the travelling squad is expected to offer the clearest sign yet of how close his Ajax move really is.