Dépor finally land their midfield maestro as Riki Rodríguez deal crosses the line

Deportivo de La Coruña have finally got their man after a proper saga that’s been dragging on since the new year. Antonio Hidalgo can breathe a sigh of relief as the club lands his top target to bolster that midfield.

Deal details

The Galicians have splashed around €300,000 on bringing Riki Rodríguez in from Albacete, though they’ll be paying that in installments rather than all at once. Bit tight with the old bread and honey, aren’t they?

This transfer’s been brewing since January 1st, with Dépor initially agreeing a summer move for the Asturian midfielder. However, they were desperate to get him in now, and they’ve finally managed to make it happen on deadline day.

Behind the scenes

The whole thing nearly went pear-shaped until Massimo Benassi, Deportivo’s director general, stepped in to save the day. He got involved and pushed the deal over the line when it looked to be stalling.

Rodríguez himself made no bones about his desire to head to A Coruña, making his intentions crystal clear to the Albacete brass from the off. The lad knew where he wanted to be, and he wasn’t shy about letting them know.

Perfect timing

In a twist that scriptwriters would be proud of, Riki could make his debut this weekend against – you guessed it – his former employers. Talk about awkward!

Hidalgo will be chuffed to bits to finally have his “number 8” in the squad, addressing what’s been a glaring weakness in that Deportivo midfield. The gaffer’s been after him for ages, seeing him as absolutely crucial to his plans.

Albacete exodus

It’s been a proper clear-out at Albacete, with Dani Escriche also heading to Cypriot side Apollon Limassol, while Jon García looks set for a move to Real Murcia.

For Deportivo though, landing Riki represents a statement of intent as they look to push on in Segunda División with their new midfield engine finally in place.