Málaga's transfer deadline day drama plays out... in Miranda de Ebro
With the entire Málaga hierarchy spotted in Miranda for their LaLiga Hypermotion clash, it's clear the Costa del Sol club is sitting tight this January window.
Málaga supporters can breathe easy as the club signals a drama-free transfer deadline day with the entire hierarchy decamping to Miranda de Ebro rather than manning the phones at headquarters.
Brass in Miranda, not working the blower
In what must be the clearest ‘nothing to see here’ message in Spanish football, Málaga’s top brass have all scarpered off to Anduva Stadium for tonight’s LaLiga Hypermotion clash against CD Mirandés. The traveling contingent includes:
- José María Muñoz (judicial administrator)
- Kike Pérez (general director)
- Loren Juarros (sporting director)
With the decision-makers all 800km away from club offices on deadline day, it’s crystal clear that Málaga are having none of the last-minute transfer madness that typically defines January 31st. The empty offices at Martiricos fall right in line with gaffer Juanfran Funes’ previous statements to MARCA that he wanted no winter additions.
Rumour mill grinding to a halt
Despite whispers about potential exits for squad players getting limited minutes - like Javi Montero and Haitam - there’s been no concrete proposals landing on Málaga’s desk. The club has effectively slammed the door shut on any possible departures.
Funes’ squad selection for tonight’s match at Anduva has further calmed any jittery supporters, with academy talents like Larrubia and Chupete included, putting paid to speculation about their futures.
The En-Nesyri lottery ticket
While Málaga themselves aren’t active in the market, they’ll be keeping one eye on developments in Saudi Arabia. Former player Youssef En-Nesyri could be on the move from Sevilla to Al-Ittihad as Karim Benzema’s replacement, according to reports from Turkish journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu (later confirmed by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano).
Any deal would potentially trigger a sell-on clause for Málaga, bringing a welcome financial boost. The Moroccan striker has reportedly accepted terms with the Saudi club, with the deal now awaiting Saudi Pro League approval. There’s even talk of a possible swap deal involving N’Golo Kanté moving to Fenerbahçe.
For now though, it’s all eyes on tonight’s match in Miranda - where Málaga’s transfer strategy is clearly taking a back seat to on-pitch matters.