Málaga planning New Year contract bonanza for academy stars
The Costa del Sol club is working on extending deals for key homegrown talents, with Dani Lorenzo, Álex Pastor and Carlos Puga top priorities for sporting director Loren Juarros.
January will be a busy month for Málaga CF as they look to tie down several key players to new contracts, with academy graduates forming the backbone of their renewal strategy.
Academy focus paying dividends
The Martiricos outfit are dead set on securing the futures of their homegrown stars, with sporting director Loren Juarros putting particular emphasis on the lads who’ve come through the ranks. It’s a proper youth revolution down on the Costa del Sol, and the club’s brass are keen to avoid losing their crown jewels.
The strategy shows Málaga have learned from past mistakes. They’re taking no chances after recent situations with Roberto Fernández and Antonio Cordero, who both entered their final contract years without extensions sorted.
Priority renewals
Dani Lorenzo tops the list of must-keeps for Málaga. The Marbella-born attacking midfielder currently has a deal running until 2027, but the club wants to extend that by at least another year to 2028. Despite having plenty of time left on his current contract, the club is being proactive rather than reactive.
Álex Pastor represents perhaps the most heartwarming renewal story. Despite suffering a serious injury, Málaga are showing their loyalty by offering the defender a new deal until 2028. His current contract expires this summer, and talks are already underway.
Carlos Puga is another defender in line for an extension. Currently contracted until 2026, the club wants him to form a long-term right-sided defensive partnership with Rafita until 2028 or 2029. Puga initially joined during Málaga’s winter transfer window when they earned promotion to Primera RFEF.
More to come
The renewal plans don’t stop there. Málaga are also looking at new deals for:
- Chupete
- Rafa Rodríguez
- Izan Merino
While these players already have lengthy contracts with the club, Málaga want to reward their performances and, crucially, increase their release clauses which are currently considered too low for comfort.
It’s clear that Málaga are building for the future with a strong focus on their academy products. January could be a defining month for the club’s long-term strategy, and the fans down La Rosaleda way will be hoping these contract talks go as smoothly as a Spanish red on a summer’s evening.