Mallorca's Ortells defends quiet January window: 'Our priority was keeping the squad together'
Mallorca sporting director Pablo Ortells addresses fan concerns over limited January business, explains club's sustainable approach, and confirms offers for Omar and Llabrés.
Mallorca sporting director Pablo Ortells has come out fighting after the club’s relatively quiet January transfer window left some supporters questioning the ambition at Son Moix.
With the transfer deadline now passed, Ortells faced the music in a comprehensive press conference where he explained the club’s approach to recruitment and addressed several burning issues.
Winter window strategy
Ortells was crystal clear about Mallorca’s January priorities: “Our premise was clear - maintain the squad we have and strengthen the winger position.”
The sporting director explained that the club operates within strict financial parameters:
- Mallorca always leaves a small budget remainder from summer for January moves
- The club prioritizes economic sustainability over splashing cash
- They focus on developing current players rather than seeking external solutions
“We’re focused on our own players - the club must be financially sustainable, we can’t make excessive spending,” he added.
Addressing fan concerns
Many Mallorca supporters have been left frustrated by what they perceive as insufficient reinforcement, particularly with deals being completed in the final hours of the window.
Ortells acknowledged this sentiment but doubled down on the club’s approach: “The feeling might be that we’ve done little, but our belief is that our future depends on the players we already have.”
He also revealed:
- Official offers were received for Omar and Javi Llabrés
- Omar had a “good proposal” but the clubs couldn’t reach an agreement
- Renewal talks with Omar will happen in the coming days
Transfer insights
Ortells provided some context on Luvumbo, describing the new arrival as bringing “strength, attitude, dribbling ability and power” - qualities he believes were missing in the squad.
He also addressed Muriqi’s recent comments, insisting they were taken out of context and that relations with the striker remain positive.
Regarding other squad matters:
- Full confidence in current centre-backs despite no additions
- Raíllo has renewed his contract through performance objectives
- Discussions with Takuma Asano will take place at season’s end
La Liga’s financial model
In a telling passage, Ortells defended La Liga’s financial control model while suggesting some flexibility might be beneficial: “It’s a sustainable, more conservative model that has helped clubs grow in recent years.”
However, he did hint at wanting more wiggle room: “We should think about opening up this model to be a bit more flexible and allow greater spending capacity.”
For a club that’s had some right barney rubbles with the fanbase lately, Ortells is clearly banking on his current squad turning things around rather than splashing cash he doesn’t have. Only time will tell if that’s the right call, innit?