Sevilla FC Faces Challenges Amid Winter Transfer Market Closure

Antonio Cordón, the Director of Professional Football at Sevilla FC, announced yesterday that there would be no additions of free agents during the presentation of Neal Maupay, the club’s only winter signing. “We have nothing left. I won’t disclose the amount, but it is negligible compared to today’s player salaries. This is our situation, and many clubs are experiencing similar difficulties. We must rely on our group, our fans, and our staff,” he stated.

Cordón refrained from commenting on the possibility of signing Sergio Ramos, likening it to looking at a car without having the funds to purchase it. However, the winter transfer market has now closed, leaving Matías Almeyda to work with his existing squad plus the new forward from Olympique de Marseille, as well as Gattoni, who has returned to Sevilla after his loan period. “It was crucial to enhance our attacking options and provide the coach with more possibilities in the front line. That was the position we aimed to strengthen,” Cordón explained.

The Argentine coach is tasked with ensuring the team’s survival in the league, which has already recorded the highest number of losses—12 matches, tied with Oviedo—and has conceded the most goals: 37 in 22 matches. The bottom-placed team has three fewer. Almeyda is hopeful that players will recover from injuries, which have been a recurring issue this season. Could the return of Azpilicueta and Nianzou be the solution to stem the tide of defeats?

Sevilla’s defense is in dire need of experience, and Azpilicueta was seen as a key player to lead the back line. Unfortunately, he has faced four muscle injuries—one each month since October—after pushing himself to return early to assist the team. He has been training with the squad for several days and could feature in the upcoming match against Girona, although they will not rush his return. Cordón mentioned that Nianzou may also be available, “and hopefully, this time it will be permanent, as we desperately need him.” However, the situation with the French defender remains uncertain.

The club has also released Marcao, another central defender, due to a long-term injury, allowing them to register Maupay. The latest addition to the injury list is Castrín, who is recovering from a quadriceps contusion sustained during Sunday’s training session, the final one before their trip to Mallorca.

Two other players awaiting return are Januzaj and Rubén Vargas. Almeyda is optimistic about Januzaj’s recovery, as he looks to regain his form after struggling with injuries. Vargas, a pivotal player for Sevilla, suffered his fourth injury in ten months, but if his fitness holds up, he could be instrumental in the team’s fight for survival.