Mirandés bag Ali Houary loan deal, beating out Granada and Albacete
The Anduva outfit secure their third winter window signing as the young Moroccan midfielder arrives from Elche seeking regular playing time in LaLiga Hypermotion.
Miranda de Ebro outfit snap up promising 20-year-old Moroccan talent on loan from Elche until the end of the season, with the player choosing Anduva despite interest from other Segunda División clubs.
Beating the competition
Mirandés have pulled off a bit of a coup in the January transfer market, securing the services of Ali Houary on a straight loan deal from Elche with no purchase option. The rojillos weren’t the only ones after the young midfielder’s signature, with both Albacete and Granada reportedly keen to get the youngster on their books.
What makes this deal particularly interesting is that Houary had actually broken through at Elche earlier this season, making two La Liga starts against Betis and Sevilla in the opening fixtures. However, as Elche strengthened their squad, his playing time dried up faster than a puddle in Andalusia.
Versatile talent
The Morocco U20 international brings plenty of versatility to Anduva:
- Can operate as a central midfielder
- Comfortable in an attacking midfield role
- Also effective as an interior midfielder
- Product of Elche’s youth academy
- Moroccan heritage but developed in Spanish football
Perfect middle ground
Houary’s move makes perfect sense when you consider the comments from Elche’s gaffer Eder Sarabia. The boss reckons the lad’s at that awkward stage in his development - too good for the reserves but not quite ready for the dog-eat-dog world of top-flight football.
As Sarabia put it, “The reserves are too small for him and the first team too big.”
This loan to Mirandés represents that sweet spot - competitive Segunda División football where the youngster can develop without the enormous pressure of La Liga, while still being tested at a professional level.
Mirandés will be hoping their third winter window signing can hit the ground running and help them maintain their position in Spain’s second tier.