Sellés desperate for defensive reinforcements as Zaragoza transfer deadline looms
Real Zaragoza boss hints at more transfer activity before Monday's deadline, with defensive signings a priority and potential exits for fringe players.
With the January transfer window slamming shut on Monday, Real Zaragoza manager Rubén Sellés is still hoping to strengthen his squad, particularly at the back where options are looking thinner than a supermodel’s diet plan.
Defensive crisis brewing
Sellés didn’t mince his words about the club’s transfer priorities: “We’re working to reinforce the squad, especially in defensive positions.” The gaffer also suggested some of the bench-warmers might be heading for the exit door before deadline day.
The defensive concerns are particularly pressing ahead of this Saturday’s trip to the Carlos Belmonte to face Albacete, with the team facing a proper selection headache in the left-back position:
- Tasende is definitely suspended
- Pomares has been training separately from the group with niggling fitness issues
- Sellés admitted Pomares’ availability will be touch and go: “If he’s available, it’ll be just in time”
Makeshift solutions
The situation has forced Sellés to get creative with his defensive options. When asked about the left-back conundrum, he listed a proper roll call of potential stand-ins:
“Against Castellón, Juan Sebastián stepped in and did his job. Other times we’ve gone with Valery, and in Gijón we used Saidu. Barrachina, Gomes and Aguirregabiria are other candidates. We have several options.”
New blood up front
It’s not all doom and gloom at La Romareda, mind. Zaragoza have already secured two January signings in Rober González and striker Willy Agada.
Sellés seems particularly chuffed with Agada, describing him as “a different player to what we already have” and praising his aerial ability, hold-up play, and movement into space. “With him, we’re a bit better,” the Valencia-born coach added, clearly hoping his new target man can provide the cutting edge Zaragoza have lacked.
With the clock ticking towards Monday’s deadline, all eyes will be on whether the club’s brass can deliver the defensive reinforcements Sellés is so clearly desperate for.