Final Countdown: Winter Transfer Market Developments in La Liga

omidbasir- Time is running out as La Liga teams prepare to finalize their plans before the winter transfer window closes on February 2nd. With just a week remaining, MARCA provides the latest updates on each of the 20 teams.

At Alavés, the transfer market is moving slower than coach Eduardo Coudet would like. The team has yet to make any signings, but an intense final week is anticipated. Securing a central defender is essential for Sergio Fernández, who is also exploring options for a forward and does not rule out the addition of a winger. On the exit front, Diarrá, Mariano, and Maras have expressed no desire to leave, while Carlos Vicente’s future is uncertain, with interest from Birmingham and Ajax.

The Athletic Club seems poised to forgo new signings despite lacking central defenders and having a limited number of midfielders due to injuries to Nico and Berenguer. The sporting director emphasizes evaluating the existing squad, allowing the recovery timelines for Canales—performing well on loan at Racing—to lapse. Manex Lozano, excelling on loan at the Cantabrian club, is also noted. Izeta remains available since he is not registered for the Champions League and recently debuted in La Liga.

Atlético Madrid finds itself in a crucial week. Following the departures of Gallagher, Raspadori, Galán, and Carlos Martín, coach Simeone aims to secure two new players. Mateu Alemany has indicated a commitment to improving team quality, and the need for additional players has been highlighted. With Kang-in Lee off the table, the club is focusing on acquiring a midfielder, with Joao Gomes being the preferred candidate, alongside an attacking player.

Barcelona has made two signings this January and is anticipating a third. The club has secured Cancelo on loan until the season’s end, marking his second stint at Spotify Camp Nou. On the exit side, Ter Stegen has joined Girona until June, and Dro is nearing a move to PSG, with the deal in its final stages. No further movements are expected.

Real Betis seeks to bolster its squad under Pellegrini, but any reinforcements depend on generating salary cap space through player departures. Players like Bakambu, Chimy Ávila, and Ricardo Rodríguez have been earmarked as potential exits, but received offers have yet to meet the club’s expectations. With just a week left, the sporting director, Manu Fajardo, is accelerating efforts to secure a central striker to partner with Cucho Hernández.

Celta has covered its incoming transfers with the addition of Fer López, though a central midfielder could still be considered if the opportunity arises. In terms of exits, the club has closed deals for Damián and Fran Beltrán but is open to loaning Yoel Lago or transferring Marc Vidal.

Elche anticipates a relatively quiet end to the transfer market. The injury to Héctor Fort has compelled the club to seek a replacement, with Lucas Cepeda as the preferred choice, pending official confirmation. While major changes to the squad are not expected, Abiel Osorio has arrived on loan, and Ali Houary has been loaned to Mirandés.

Espanyol has faced challenges in the winter market, with no incoming transfers yet recorded. With the deadline approaching, two players have departed while no new additions have been made. Koleosho has moved to Paris FC, ending a disappointing loan stint, and Javi Hernández has been loaned to Mirandés to regain form after injury setbacks.

Getafe has added four new players but leaves room for more signings contingent on player exits. The club is monitoring Neyou’s situation and is evaluating options for Juami to leave, as both players are significant salary burdens.

Girona’s winter market has been active, addressing a previous imbalance in the squad. The poor first half of the season and injuries to Van de Beek and Portu have compelled the club to seek immediate quality. Jhon Solís and Yáser Asprilla have been loaned out, while Claudio Echeverri and Ter Stegen have been brought in on loan, alongside Fran Beltrán.

Levante’s final days in the market hinge on financial conditions and potential player exits. The club’s recent signings have limited their options, prompting the need for player departures to facilitate new acquisitions. Koyalipou and Kervin Arriaga are potential candidates for exits, focusing on midfielders and forwards.

Mallorca’s winter transfer activity has been minimal, with only one long-term signing, Justin Kalumba. The team grapples with defensive issues, and the urgent need for a forward is apparent, although no viable options have emerged amid ongoing speculation regarding departing players like Omar Mascarell and Muriqi.

Osasuna has strengthened its squad with two signings, Javi Galán and Raúl Moro, enhancing both defense and attack. No departures have been confirmed, but the club remains open to potential exits, particularly of Sheraldo Becker.

Oviedo has concluded several exits while welcoming three new players, including Nicolás Fonseca and Thiago Borbas. The club aims to strengthen its wing play and possibly add another forward, contingent on further departures to comply with roster limits.

The addition of Carlos Martín and Ilias Akomach has met the expectations of Iñigo Pérez, although further signings are welcome. Currently, all positions are filled, leaving Nteka as the only player with potential exit scenarios.

Real Sociedad’s market activity appears limited to the loan of Mikel Goti to Córdoba, while the transfer of Sadiq Umar to Valencia has been finalized. Despite interest in Karrikaburu, no movement is expected unless a high-profile player becomes available.

Sevilla is racing against time to secure a striker, with Neal Maupay reportedly close to joining on loan with a buy option. Youssef En-Nesyri’s situation remains uncertain, and negotiations are ongoing for Ecuadorian Patrik Mercado. Departures have included Ramón Martínez and Álvaro Fernández, while Joan Jordán’s exit remains a possibility.

Valencia, following significant signings, is still active in the market, with several players potentially leaving before the deadline. While the focus has been on incoming players, there is still a chance for additional reinforcements, particularly in midfield and on the wings.

Villarreal’s approach has been shaped by their survival in only one competition, prompting a focus on reducing squad size. Following the departures of Solomon, Altimira, and Illias, no further exits are anticipated unless an opportunity arises to secure a defender due to Foyth’s injury.