Sevilla FC Introduces Neal Maupay as January Transfer Acquisition

On Wednesday afternoon, Sevilla FC officially introduced Neal Maupay, their sole acquisition during the January transfer window. The forward joins the club on loan from Olympique de Marseille, with a purchase option set at approximately 5 million euros. “We attempted to secure this loan in the summer, but were unsuccessful. After considerable effort, we have now brought him here. He is a player we have known for many years due to his career in France and England. I believe he arrives at a pivotal moment to assist us,” stated the football director, Antonio Cordón, prior to Maupay’s address in English.

Maupay expressed his confidence from day one: “I have arrived at this great club prepared to showcase all my skills, ready to give my best. I am very excited about this decision because I believe the team, the players, and the staff, along with Antonio, have set up a fantastic structure to turn the situation around.”

Regarding his debut, Maupay remarked: “I felt very good, but we made a few mistakes that cost us the match. During each training session, we observe how our coach closely monitors us. I am pleased to be playing again, regaining my form, and seeing the confidence placed in me and my teammates. We wish to perform well and work to ensure we finish the season strongly.”

Reflecting on his interest from the summer, he noted: “Yes, there were contacts last summer, but due to various reasons, it did not materialize, and I remained in Marseille. Later, Antonio and the club reached out to me again, and I was eager to join in January to help and be part of this story. I know Sevilla is a historic club with a rich past of success, but I enjoy challenges. When I spoke with the club, the coach, and my teammates, I recognized the high quality within the team, especially with Matías. I am here to play and enjoy myself.”

On coach Almeyda, Maupay said, “He is a very passionate coach with a clear vision of football. He knows exactly what he wants and also gives us the freedom at times to change positions. Training sessions are intense because he is highly committed to his work, ensuring that we all put in our best efforts to support one another. When I spoke with him before coming, I sensed he was a remarkable person. I understand that it can be easy to blame management or a coach, but we have an excellent technical staff. Ultimately, it is the players who are responsible for our performance on the field.”

Discussing Sevilla’s goals, he added, “They wanted me to come and contribute my quality. We must strive to improve and give our all. That is why we are here—to play and deliver our best. While at Marseille, we aimed to win the league, but this is a new challenge, and it is very exciting for me. We have fantastic fans and a wonderful stadium, and now is the time to show our best.”

Addressing the team’s current position, he stated: “The most important thing in this situation is to focus on ourselves, work hard, and strive for improvement. We can make a difference, and we cannot allow rumors to infiltrate the dressing room, as it can affect us. Matches are played eleven against eleven, so we must work towards the same goal, offer our best, and I believe we will succeed. Regardless of rumors, actions speak louder, and we need to work hard to change the situation. That is our reality.”

In reference to other French players, Maupay mentioned: “I spoke with Kondogbia to learn about his experience, and he said it was an incredible club, in an amazing city, with fantastic fans, encouraging me to come here. I was already quite sure of my decision, but he added even more confidence. As for other French players, I know Gameiro was also here, and many French players have passed through Sevilla. I spoke with Kondogbia and Gerónimo Rulli, and they only had positive things to say about Sevilla. We have a lot of work ahead, and we need to win matches. We do not want to remain in this situation, and we must prove that on the pitch.”

Reflecting on the first contact, Maupay disclosed, “Antonio reached out to me and said, ‘Look, we need a forward; we want someone like you on the team,’ and my agent informed me that Sevilla wanted me. I responded, ‘Of course, make it happen.’ Sometimes it is challenging because you have to navigate the contractual process step by step, but we wanted to manage everything and be here. I feel very fortunate; it is a great opportunity. With my experience, I believe I can also help the team, especially since we have many talented young players who can benefit from that. They are fantastic young men, and I see a lot of quality. Now we need to push ourselves. We must aim to win every match to start turning things around immediately.”