Almería eye Pulido swoop but Huesca playing hardball
Jorge Pulido's potential move to Almería faces significant obstacles as Huesca demand full release clause for their defensive stalwart whose contract expires this summer.
Almería are weighing up a move for Huesca’s defensive lynchpin Jorge Pulido, but the cash required might leave them a bit skint as negotiations hit a brick wall.
Transfer Tactics
While the Rojiblancos have been primarily focused on bolstering their attack with a striker and winger on their shopping list, they’re keeping an eye on defensive reinforcements if the right opportunity presents itself.
Pulido, 34, has emerged as a target for the Segunda División outfit, with his contract at Huesca set to expire at the end of the current campaign. You’d think that might make for an easy deal, but it’s turning into anything but.
The Aragonese club aren’t exactly rolling out the red carpet for Pulido’s departure. They’re dead set on keeping their captain and have pointed interested parties toward his release clause - a hefty sum north of €1.5 million. Proper money that, especially for a player in his mid-thirties who could walk for free in six months.
Behind-the-Scenes Drama
According to Diario de Huesca, suspicious minds were set racing when:
- Huesca manager Jon Pérez Bolo was spotted having a private ten-minute chinwag with Pulido after Tuesday’s training session
- The timing of this tête-à-tête has only fueled speculation about a potential January move
Almería’s Defensive Dilemma
Gaffer Rubi isn’t exactly short of centre-halves at the moment, with four already on the books:
- Bonini
- Monte
- Chumi
- Aridane
Any move for Pulido would likely depend on one of this quartet departing, with Aridane seemingly the most likely candidate for the chop based on recent performances and off-pitch circumstances.
There’s a bit of history here too - Rubi knows Pulido well from their time together at Huesca, where they secured promotion to La Liga in 2020. Clearly the manager fancies a reunion with his former defensive general.
Deal or No Deal?
At present, the transfer looks more like pie in the sky than done and dusted. Huesca’s stance on the release clause combined with their reluctance to lose their defensive talisman means Almería might have to stick with their current backline options for the remainder of the season.