Andorra shuffle: Edgar González arrives as Merquelanz heads for the exit
Piqué's Andorra secure loan deal for Almería defender Edgar González while mutually terminating Martín Merquelanz's contract in winter window movements.
Former Betis and Almería defender Edgar González joins Andorra on loan while Martín Merquelanz departs by mutual agreement as the Pyrenean side shuffle their pack for the remainder of the season.
González bolsters defence
Andorra FC have finally confirmed what was already an open secret in Spanish football circles – Edgar González has joined the club on loan from Almería for the remainder of the season.
The 28-year-old central defender, who hails from Sallent, arrives with plenty of pedigree having made nearly 100 appearances in both La Liga and Segunda División during his career.
González’s football journey began in the youth systems of Espanyol and Cornellà before making his senior breakthrough with the latter. His performances in Segunda B caught the attention of Real Betis, who snapped him up in 2018.
After a spell with Betis’ reserve side and a loan stint at Real Oviedo, González established himself as an important first-team player in Seville, featuring regularly in La Liga. His solid performances earned him a move to Almería in summer 2023, where he continued as a regular starter both in the top flight and following their relegation to LaLiga Hypermotion.
The first half of this season saw González shipped out on loan to Croatian side Hajduk Split, where playing time proved limited – making this new opportunity at Andorra a chance to get his career back on track.
One in, one out
While González arrives, Martín Merquelanz heads for the exit door after Gerard Piqué’s club reached an agreement to terminate the Basque player’s contract. In a touch of class from the club, Merquelanz will continue training with Andorra until he secures a new team.
Merquelanz’s Andorra adventure has been brief and complicated. Signed as the final addition of the summer transfer window, immigration quota issues meant he couldn’t be registered for over a month. He eventually debuted in late October in a Copa del Rey match against Valle de Egüés, where he scored and impressed, and also put in a blinding performance against Huesca in the league.
The Andorran revolution doesn’t stop there. With Yeray Cabanzón also joining the club, at least one more current squad member will need to make way, with local reports suggesting Aingeru Olabarrieta and Josep Cerdà as the likeliest candidates for the old tin tack.