Almería's Transfer Window: The Deals That Never Were
A look at the players Almería couldn't quite land in January, including Pulido and Junyent, plus the rejected offer for Patrick Soko from Real Oviedo.
While Almería strengthened impressively this winter, several potential deals fell through that could have made their promotion push even stronger.
The winter window wrap-up
UD Almería have earned plenty of plaudits for their January business, with the arrivals of Morcillo, Miguel de la Fuente and Rodrigo Ely significantly boosting their squad quality. These additions have clearly been made with one singular focus: securing promotion to La Liga.
However, not everything went according to plan in the transfer market, with two potential arrivals and one departure failing to materialise.
The Pulido saga
The most publicised non-deal was the ‘Pulido case’, which became something of a soap opera with all parties making public statements. The Huesca centre-back openly admitted in a press conference that he wanted to leave the club in January, confirming he’d already signed a contract with Almería effective from July.
Huesca stood firm, refusing to let their captain depart mid-season given their relegation battle and his importance to the squad. Almería were prepared to pay a compensation fee below €500,000, while Huesca pointed to his €4 million release clause.
With no middle ground to be found, Almería activated Plan B by signing Rodrigo Ely instead. Huesca managed to keep their man for now, but will lose him on a free transfer come summer.
The La Masia graduate
Quim Junyent’s situation mirrored Pulido’s remarkably closely. Almería have a complete agreement with the La Masia-trained midfielder – reportedly for six seasons – but Barcelona imposed conditions that the Andalusian club found unacceptable, including buy-back clauses and future sale percentages.
Almería weren’t desperate to bring him in immediately and preferred a free transfer, though they did explore options to accelerate his arrival. Like Pulido, Junyent will join the club in July instead.
Soko stays put
On deadline day, Almería rejected an offer from Real Oviedo for Patrick Soko that would have seen the Cameroonian forward leave on loan with an option to buy. Despite limited playing time due to underwhelming performances since his arrival, the club maintains faith in the player and didn’t want to lose someone who could prove valuable in the business end of the season.
While Soko’s form has been poor, his attitude and commitment remain unquestioned. The club, in agreement with the player, turned down the Asturian side’s proposal – despite club sources telling MARCA the purchase option was “acceptable” financially.