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A look at how club across LaLiga Santander have improved their squads during the January transfer window.
The January transfer market is an opportunity for clubs to make mid-season signings that inspire hope for the remaining months of the campaign, which is precisely what several LaLiga Santander sides have managed to do. There were almost 50 arrivals to Spain’s top division over the past month; here’s all you need to know.
Tecatito and Martial boost Sevilla’s title challenge
Sevilla are just four points behind leaders Real Madrid in the LaLiga Santander table and are dreaming of what could be their first championship since 1946. Sporting director Monchi has enhanced his squad ahead of the second half of the campaign, bringing in Mexico international Tecatito Corona from Porto and also former Golden Boy winner Anthony Martial from Manchester United. As well as those additions, Sevilla were able to keep key centre-back Diego Carlos, despite heavy interest from around Europe.
Granada land highly coveted Arezo
One of the super signings of this window might be Matías Arezo’s move to Granada. The 19-year-old Uruguayan forward had been scoring goal after goal for River Plate in his native country and was captaining the team, even as a teenager. Although he was wanted by several clubs around Europe, it’s Granada who have won the race for his signature.
Defensive reinforcements for Atlético de Madrid
Atleti have become known for their solid and stingy defence under Diego Simeone, but their back line hasn’t been as strong as usual over the first months of 2021/22. The reigning champions addressed that this window this by bringing in experienced LaLiga Santander player and Danish international Daniel Wass, who can operate in midfield and at right-back, while they also brought in Reinildo Mandava, a left-back who was a key part of Lille’s 2020/21 Ligue 1 title win.
At least three signings for Barcelona
The January window was always expected to be a busy one for Barcelona and it didn’t disappoint. The Catalan club had already agreed for Dani Alves to rejoin at the start of the month, while they have also signed Ferran Torres from Manchester City, brought in Adama Traoré on loan from Wolves and the fourth addition from England of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Five in and five out at Cádiz
Cádiz were the joint-most active club over the month of January. Not only did they change coach in this month, hiring Sergio González to replace Álvaro Cervera, but the Andalusian side also signed five players and let five players leave. They brought in centre-back Luis Hernández, winger Oussama Idrissi, central midfielders Fede San Emeterio and Rubén Alcaraz, and striker Lucas Pérez.
Getafe have a busy window too
The only other club to make as many transactions as Cádiz in January was Getafe. After a slow start to the season, this is a team on the up and the Azulones want to keep momentum going, which is why they acquired centre-back Gastón Álvarez, midfielders Okay Yokuşlu, Óscar Rodríguez and Gonzalo Villar and striker Borja Mayoral, with the latter already scoring a goal for his new club.
Lo Celso is back in the league where he dazzled
Villarreal completed one of the most eye-catching deals of the window, securing the services of Giovani Lo Celso on loan from Tottenham. The Argentine midfielder was previously in LaLiga Santander in 2018/19 with Real Betis and put together the best season of his career, scoring 16 goals and providing six assists across all competitions. He’ll look to get back to his best now that he’s back in Spain.
Ilaix Moriba and Bryan Gil join Valencia
Valencia improved their squad in the winter window by bringing in two exceptional young talents on loan. Both Ilaix Moriba and Bryan Gil departed LaLiga Santander last summer, but have yet to fully find their feet at RB Leipzig and Tottenham respectively. The midfielder and winger have signed up for half a season with Valencia, as they look to remind fans of Spanish football just how talented they are.
Mendilibar assembles his A-Team
José Luis Mendilibar has been given the reins at Alavés, trusted to steer the Basque club clear of the relegation zone. Ahead of the second half of the season, he has brought in four players, most notably his trusted lieutenant Gonzalo Escalante, who he previously worked with at Eibar. Manu Vallejo, Nahuel Tenaglia and Jason have signed up for the Alavés project too.
Several veterans return to LaLiga Santander
Some familiar faces will be back in LaLiga Santander over the second half of the 2021/22 season. One is Sergio Rico, with the goalkeeper signing for RCD Mallorca after making 114 appearances in Spain’s top flight in the past. Another is Rafinha, the midfielder who has joined Real Sociedad to add to the 117 LaLiga Santander outings he had with Barcelona and RC Celta. There’s also Martín Cáceres, the veteran Uruguay international who has joined Levante UD after previously playing 86 times in Spain’s top tier.
