Atleti's transfer dash lights up deadline day as 14 new faces join LaLiga clubs
Diego Simeone's side made three late signings while Celta, Alavés and Getafe all added firepower on a surprisingly busy Spanish transfer deadline day.
The winter transfer window in Spain closed with a proper last-minute flurry, as Atlético Madrid played chief instigator by registering three players in the final hours – Ademola Lookman, Obed Vargas and Rodrigo Mendoza all arriving in one swoop.
Mateu Alemany’s eleventh-hour grafting stood in stark contrast to the relative calm elsewhere, though several clubs did manage to get some interesting business over the line before the window slammed shut.
Deadline day movers and shakers
Celta Vigo had a right old busy one, bringing in two players as the clock ticked down. Meanwhile, Elche waved goodbye to key men Mendoza and Álvaro Núñez, Alavés pulled off a Scandinavian surprise, and Getafe survived a proper heart-in-mouth moment before landing a Serbian attacker.
Alavés bag Swedish goal machine
In a move that caught most off guard, Alavés registered the top scorer from Sweden’s recent league campaign. Diabate arrives from Gais after bagging 19 goals in the Nordic competition, ready to battle with Boyé and Toni Martínez for the number 9 shirt.
The striker has Spanish football connections, having previously played in the youth systems at Mallorca, Sevilla and Atlético Madrid. His goal record speaks for itself – proper handy business, that.
Celta’s double swoop
Celta Vigo waited until the last possible moment to make their moves, signing both Matías Vecino and Álvaro Núñez. The 34-year-old Uruguayan international Vecino arrives from Lazio to strengthen a midfield that lost both Fran Beltrán and Damián during January.
Núñez, a surprise deadline day capture from Elche, joins Giráldez’s squad for €1 million plus 10% of any future sale. This business came as Bryan Zaragoza headed for Roma, with the departing player penning an emotional farewell letter to supporters.
Getafe’s Milla drama
Getafe fans had a proper mare mid-afternoon when reports emerged that Como were negotiating for midfield maestro Luis Milla. The playmaker is absolutely crucial to Bordalás’ system, and while Cesc Fàbregas’ Italian side reportedly offered around €7 million, it wasn’t enough to tempt the Madrid club.
After surviving that scare, Getafe saw Coba depart for Anderlecht but welcomed Serbian attacker Birmancevic from Sparta Prague – a proper tidy gift for manager Bordalás.
Other notable moves
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Elche: Tete Morente returns to the club from Lecce, signing until 2028. He previously spent four seasons with Elche between 2020-2024. They also secured Spanish U19 international Sangaré on loan from Roma at the death.
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Mallorca: Fresh off their victory against Sevilla, they secured Angolan winger Zito Luvumbo on loan from Cagliari. His numbers this season (no goals or assists in 12 appearances) don’t exactly set the world alight, but he adds depth to Arrasate’s squad.
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Athletic Club: Made their only winter move by registering centre-back Unai Egiluz, who didn’t previously have a first-team number after suffering an ACL injury in pre-season.