Deportivo shore up goalkeeper position with Álvaro Fernández signing
Former Spain international Álvaro Fernández joins Deportivo on a free transfer from Sevilla, setting up an intriguing battle for the number one shirt with Parreño.
Free agent goalkeeper Álvaro Fernández has completed his move to Deportivo La Coruña, signing a lengthy contract until 2027 after leaving Sevilla.
Long-awaited arrival
The 26-year-old shot-stopper revealed that this move has been in the works for quite some time, but couldn’t be completed during the summer window.
“We’ve been in contact with Deportivo for months,” Fernández explained, clearly chuffed with his new club. The goalkeeper arrives with plenty of motivation to challenge current number one Parreño for the starting spot between the sticks.
Impressive CV
Fernández brings a wealth of experience to Riazor:
- 43 appearances in La Liga
- 12 matches in the Premier League with Brentford
- 95 games in Segunda División
- International experience with Spain’s youth teams
- One cap for the senior Spanish national team
His international debut came under unusual circumstances - featuring in a 4-0 friendly win against Lithuania in 2021 when the entire senior squad was isolating due to COVID concerns before the Euros.
Reunion with familiar faces
The move reunites Fernández with Deportivo manager Antonio Hidalgo, with whom he previously worked at Huesca. The goalkeeper speaks highly of his new gaffer, describing him as someone who “lives life to the limit” and “doesn’t allow you to relax.”
Fernández also previously worked with former Deportivo goalkeeping coach Manu Sotelo during his time at Brentford in England.
Competition heating up
The arrival of a keeper with top-flight experience suggests Deportivo are taking no chances with their defensive setup. Parreño now faces serious competition for the number one shirt, which should raise standards all round.
With previous stints at Espanyol, Huesca, and Brentford before Sevilla, Fernández brings plenty of pedigree to a Deportivo side looking to climb the table in Segunda División.