Zaragoza's left-back obsession continues with Juan Larios loan deal
Real Zaragoza have surprised fans by signing a third left-back in Juan Larios from Southampton, reuniting the 22-year-old with his former boss Rubén Sellés.
Fans were expecting a centre-half or defensive midfielder, but Real Zaragoza have gone and pulled a proper rabbit from the hat with yet another left-back signing. Southampton’s Juan Larios becomes their fourth January acquisition, joining on loan until the season’s end.
Sellés reunion
The 22-year-old Sevillian arrives at the request of manager Rubén Sellés, who previously worked with the defender during his time in England back in 2022. The gaffer clearly fancies what he sees in the young talent.
The club statement highlights Larios’ impressive development background: “A left-back who has trained in important European football academies including Sevilla FC, FC Barcelona and Manchester City.”
From Cultural Leonesa disappointment
Larios’ season hasn’t exactly been going swimmingly. He was on loan at Cultural Leonesa earlier this campaign, but that arrangement’s been terminated after a rough start:
- Started the first three matches (all defeats)
- Dropped from the starting eleven afterwards
- Managed just over 300 minutes total playing time
Left-back logjam
Zaragoza’s left-back collection is starting to look like my mate’s stamp album - absolutely chocka! Larios now faces competition from:
- Tasende
- Pomares
- Juan Sebastián (who’s been filling in there recently)
The situation’s getting a bit Adam and Eve (believe), with rumours suggesting one of the existing left-backs might be heading for the old Barclays before the window shuts.
Meanwhile, Zaragoza continue working against the clock to secure additional reinforcements in other positions that many supporters feel should’ve been the priority all along.