Las Palmas' transfer policy: From academy focus to overseas shopping spree
Las Palmas have signed 50 players since promotion with mixed success, while academy products struggle for first-team opportunities despite talent in the reserves.
The Canary Islanders have undergone a dramatic shift in recruitment strategy, with their once-proud academy tradition taking a backseat to an international shopping expedition that’s yielded decidedly mixed results.
Transfer madness in numbers
Since their promotion back to the top flight, Las Palmas have brought in a whopping 50 players through transfers and loans. That’s enough to field four complete teams with subs to spare! Some signings have genuinely made the grade:
- Mika Mármol and Julián Araujo strengthened the defence
- Horkas, Fábio Silva and Essugo added quality in midfield
- Fuster, Barcia and Amatucci have shown promise
But blimey, the list of duds is proper long. From Kaptoum to Andone, Loren to Sinkgraven, and recent flops like Arvelo, Cedeño and Lukovic who’ve already shipped out – it’s been a right old waste of dosh in many cases. Players like Cristian and Caro can barely get a kick these days despite the club splashing the cash on them.
Academy dreams on hold
The contrast with the treatment of homegrown talent couldn’t be starker. Only seven academy products have established themselves as first-team regulars in recent years: Moleiro, Cardona, Coco, Valles, Herzog, Ale García and Iñaki.
Even more telling? Just the last three names on that list remain part of the current squad. The returns of Jesé and Jonathan Viera, alongside Kirian and Álex Suárez, help maintain some local identity, but they’re swimming against the tide of imports.
Talent knocking at the door
Las Palmas Atlético (the reserve team) continues to compete well in Segunda RFEF with a squad bursting with potential. Goalkeeper Killane, centre-backs Raca and Navarro, full-back Pezzolesi, and attacking talents Iván Medina, Johan and Elías Romero are all showing the kind of form that should have them in first-team contention.
Yet despite four January transfer moves by the club, none of these promising youngsters have been given the nod. They’re knocking on the door, but no one’s answering – leaving fans to wonder if the club’s brass have lost their marbles when it comes to promoting from within.