Sevilla FC: Strategic Moves Ahead of the January Transfer Window

As 2026 commences, Sevilla FC seeks to embody the adage “new year, new life.” The transfer window reopens, presenting an opportunity to further the reconstruction initiated by Antonio Cordón last June, focusing on both athletic and financial aspects. “We must be prepared; if we identify any deficits that we can effectively address, we will do so,” stated the club’s football director following the summer transfer market. Recognizing the outstanding tasks ahead, precise financial management will be essential for every euro spent.

Currently positioned tenth in the league, Sevilla must generate capital gains of approximately 10 million euros before June 30. The objective is to bolster finances, which necessitates the sale of players. If the club intends to pursue reinforcements in the market, enhancing profit margins is the only viable route.

Before making any moves, Sevilla’s primary task is to free up roster spots. Officially, goalkeeper Álvaro Fernández has departed to Deportivo de La Coruña following the termination of his contract. Next in line could be defenders Ramón Martínez and Federico Gattoni. Martínez has made only three appearances this season and has received an offer from Cádiz, while Gattoni returns this Friday after an unsuccessful loan at River Plate and is attracting interest from several Mexican clubs.

Among potential high-value sales in the upcoming January market are Juanlu Sánchez and Rubén Vargas. The academy graduate is valued at 20 million euros and was at the center of a transfer saga with Napoli last summer, which ultimately fell through. The Italians have not forgotten the full-back, with Bayer Leverkusen and Everton also showing interest. Vargas was close to joining Villarreal in late August, but Cordón deemed their 15 million euro offer insufficient. Currently, Bournemouth, Leeds United, and Sunderland are among the clubs expressing interest in him.

In addition to player departures, Sevilla aims to reinforce its squad by acquiring one player per position: a defender, a midfielder, and a forward. However, manager Matías Almeyda has emphasized the urgent need for a forward, citing poor performance in that role and uncertainty regarding Akor Adams’ return from the Africa Cup of Nations. Notable names linked to Sevilla include Elye Wahi (Eintracht Frankfurt), Fábio Silva (Borussia Dortmund), Enes Ünal (Bournemouth), and Jovan Milosevic (Partizán), with Wahi already having signed with Nice.

The club, along with much of its fanbase, is also seeking a more offensive-minded midfielder, particularly a playmaker capable of operating in the attacking midfield role. Recent discussions have highlighted Patrik Mercado (Independiente del Valle), while Jesse Lingard, currently with FC Seoul, has emerged as a potential target. The veteran English player is also being pursued by Celta and Oviedo.

Should Vargas be sold, Sevilla may look to add another winger to their squad, despite already having Alfon González, Alexis Sánchez, Chidera Ejuke, and Adnan Januzaj in that position. Such additions would likely focus on young players on loan, with names like Oscar Bobb (Manchester City) and Julien Duranville (Borussia Dortmund) appearing in media reports.

“We have set aside a small fund to prepare for the winter market,” revealed Antonio Cordón during his closing remarks on the summer transfer window. The upcoming month poses significant challenges, requiring careful navigation in the team’s restructuring efforts.