Leganés snatch Álex Forés from Villarreal on loan deal
The Madrid club have secured their first January signing with Villarreal forward Álex Forés joining on loan without purchase option as they battle relegation.
Struggling Leganés have moved quickly to bolster their attack in the January window, securing Villarreal forward Álex Forés on a loan deal without a purchase option as they fight to escape the Segunda División relegation zone.
Winter reinforcements begin
Leganés aren’t hanging about in the transfer market, with sporting director Andrés Pardo making good on his promise to strengthen the squad. The club has been planning their winter business for some time, with Pardo telling reporters this morning: “We’ve been preparing for this for a long time.”
The Madrid outfit have had a proper nightmare this season, finding themselves in the drop zone after being relegated from La Liga last term. Talk about going from bad to worse! They’re now staring at the prospect of tumbling down to Primera Federación (Spain’s third tier) unless they can turn things around sharpish.
Personal connection key to deal
Interestingly, there’s a bit of history between Forés and Pardo, with the sporting director having previously worked with the forward during his youth days at Levante. This connection likely played a blinder in getting the deal over the line, especially with other clubs reportedly sniffing around the Valencian attacker.
The Pepineros (Cucumber Growers) - as Leganés are affectionately known - apparently put the best package on the table, beating out several other interested parties for Forés’ signature.
Forward line taking shape
Forés spent the first half of this season on loan at Real Oviedo, but will now switch allegiances to join Leganés’ relegation scrap. The club are wasting no time in reshaping their attacking options, with:
- Álex Forés now confirmed as their first January addition
- Former Arsenal and West Ham striker Lucas Pérez training with the team on trial
- Potential for the two to form a new-look strike partnership
If Pérez impresses during his trial period, Leganés could soon have a completely revamped forward line to help fire them up the table. The capital club will be hoping these additions can provide the cutting edge they’ve been missing this campaign.