Yáñez plays it cool on new Sporting deal: 'Very happy' but no rush to sign
Sporting Gijón's first-choice keeper Rubén Yáñez addresses contract talks while focusing on December fixtures against Granada and Copa del Rey progression
Sporting’s number one keeping options open despite happiness in Gijón
Sporting Gijón goalkeeper Rubén Yáñez is in no rush to put pen to paper on a new deal at El Molinón, despite admitting he feels “very content” at the Asturian club. The Catalan shot-stopper has been coy about his future, stating that “nothing official has been published” regarding a contract extension, though his comments suggest negotiations may be progressing behind the scenes.
Yáñez, who was recently crowned Sporting’s Player of the Month for October, seems to be playing his cards close to his chest. The keeper expressed pride in receiving the recognition but, in typical goalkeeper fashion, deflected praise by emphasizing the collective effort - noting that the fewer saves he has to make, the better it is for the team.
December ambitions
Looking ahead to the busy festive period, Yáñez has set clear targets for Sporting before the year concludes:
- Securing six more points in the league
- Progressing to the next round in the Copa del Rey
The immediate focus falls on Saturday’s clash with Granada at El Molinón (16:15 local time), a fixture Yáñez expects to be challenging against what he describes as “a great opponent.”
The keeper remains confident in his team’s abilities, however, stating that when Sporting compete at their best level, there’s no opponent they can’t defeat. His vision for the club’s objectives centers around “competing at the maximum and fighting for beautiful things” - a statement that will surely resonate with the Sporting faithful.
Injury concerns eased
Despite missing training yesterday morning, Yáñez was quick to dismiss any injury concerns during his press conference. The goalkeeper explained he was simply feeling “a bit loaded” and therefore participated in a lower-intensity session away from the main group.
In more positive news for Sporting boss Borja Jiménez:
- Dani Queipo has recovered from a virus that kept him out earlier this week
- Jonathan Dubasin and Pablo García have nearly completed their returns to full fitness
- All three players look set to be available for the Granada match
The only confirmed absentee for Saturday’s game is Mamadou Loum, with Friday’s final training session set to determine the final squad selection.
If Sporting can follow their keeper’s ambitious December targets, they might find themselves in a right Bobby Moore (score) position heading into 2025.