Zaragoza's left-back collection grows: Juan Larios becomes fourth winter signing
Real Zaragoza have surprised fans by signing a third left-back in Juan Larios from Southampton, reuniting the 22-year-old with former boss Rubén Sellés.
While fans were expecting a centre-back or defensive midfielder, Real Zaragoza have gone and pulled a right Bobby Dazzler by adding yet another left-back to their squad, making it three players for one position now.
Sellés reunion in Aragon
Juan Larios, the 22-year-old Spaniard, has joined on loan from Southampton until the end of the season, becoming Zaragoza’s fourth winter signing. The move reunites Larios with his former gaffer Rubén Sellés, who managed him briefly in England back in 2022.
The club statement highlighted Larios’ impressive development background, noting he “trained in important European academies including Sevilla FC, FC Barcelona and Manchester City” - not a bad footballing education that, is it?
From Leon to Zaragoza
Larios’ arrival comes after a rather forgettable loan spell at Cultural Leonesa this season:
- Started the first three matches (all defeats)
- Disappeared from the starting XI afterwards
- Managed just over 300 minutes in total before the loan was terminated
Competition heating up
The youngster now faces stiff competition at La Romareda, where he’ll battle with existing left-backs Tasende and Pomares for minutes. There’s whispers that one of the current options might be shown the door, mind you.
Interestingly, Juan Sebastián has also been filling in at left-back recently out of necessity, making the new signing even more puzzling to the Zaragoza faithful.
Transfer deadline approaching
The club continues working against the clock to secure additional reinforcements before the window slams shut, with supporters still hoping for that centre-back or midfielder they’ve been crying out for.