Eibar's transfer window slams shut with zero signings – the financial reality biting hard
SD Eibar complete a quiet January window with no new arrivals as salary cap restrictions hamper their Segunda División campaign despite sitting near the promotion spots.
Armeros become one of just three Segunda División clubs to make no January signings as salary cap restrictions bite hard, despite promotion ambitions.
Financial handcuffs tighter than a duck’s backside
The winter transfer window closed yesterday with Eibar fans left twiddling their thumbs while scrolling for news of incomings that never materialized. In what’s been described as their quietest January in donkey’s years, the Basque outfit couldn’t make a single signing due to their salary cap situation.
Sporting Director César Palacios fronted up to the press yesterday to explain the club’s transfer inactivity, comparing their predicament to a puzzle with no remaining space.
“LaLiga is like a puzzle,” Palacios explained. “Without departures, there simply couldn’t be arrivals.”
Even Leonardo Buta’s departure on deadline day wasn’t enough to free up the necessary wiggle room for reinforcements. The Portuguese winger’s exit made perfect sense according to Palacios, who suggested keeping loan players who aren’t getting minutes doesn’t benefit anyone.
Outgoings that weren’t
Interestingly, the club also tried to shift Toni Villa, with the brass telling the Murcia-born player he wouldn’t feature much in their plans. However, no suitable destination could be found, leaving Villa to fight for his place in the squad.
“He was informed he wouldn’t have many playing opportunities,” Palacios admitted. “But all parties need to agree for a move to happen.”
The one silver lining from the window was keeping hold of Marco Moreno, who attracted interest from fellow Segunda side Elche in the final hours of the window. The talented youngster is expected to have plenty of suitors come summer.
Faith in the current crop
Despite the lack of fresh faces, Palacios expressed complete confidence in the current squad to achieve their objectives for the remainder of the campaign.
“We have enough players to face the rest of the season,” he insisted, emphasizing the importance of the entire squad rather than just the starting eleven.
“The strength must be the squad in its entirety. Only eleven play, but those with fewer minutes are absolutely crucial for the team to keep growing.”
For Eibar fans hoping for a late transfer window treat, it’s been a proper disappointment. But with the club still in the promotion mix, perhaps Palacios’ faith in the current group will be rewarded come season’s end.