Almeyda forced to look to treatment room as Sevilla's transfer window closes with a whimper
With only Neal Maupay arriving in January and funds 'laughable', the Sevilla boss must pin hopes on returning injured players to avoid relegation disaster.
Sevilla’s hopes of reinforcing their relegation-threatened squad have hit the buffers, leaving manager Matías Almeyda desperately looking to the treatment room for salvation rather than new signings.
Transfer window slams shut with minimal movement
Sevilla’s sporting director Antonio Cordón confirmed yesterday that the club won’t be dipping into the free agent market after completing just one January signing in Neal Maupay from Marseille. The club’s financial situation appears dire, with Cordón admitting their remaining budget is “laughable compared to what players earn today.”
Speculation about a potential Sergio Ramos return was swiftly dismissed, with Cordón likening it to “looking at a car when you don’t have money to buy it” - a proper kick in the teeth for fans hoping for a defensive saviour.
The relegation battle looks bleak
The numbers don’t lie, and they make for grim reading:
- 12 defeats - joint most in La Liga (level with Oviedo)
- 37 goals conceded in 22 matches - worst defensive record in the division
- Only three goals fewer than the bottom club
With this defensive nightmare unfolding, Almeyda is banking on some familiar faces returning from injury to stop the bleeding.
Treatment room holds the key
César Azpilicueta was brought in to lead the backline with his experience, but the former Chelsea man has suffered four separate muscle injuries since October, averaging one setback per month. He’s been training with the squad and could feature against Girona, but the club won’t risk another relapse.
Tanguy Nianzou is another potential returnee, with Cordón hoping “this time will be the definitive one because we need him.” The French defender’s fitness record remains questionable at best.
Meanwhile, Marcao was deregistered due to his long-term injury to make space for Maupay, while Castrín has become the latest casualty with a quadriceps contusion.
Attacking options also in the medical bay
Adnan Januzaj and Rubén Vargas represent two potentially game-changing options if they can get fit. Almeyda appears to have faith in Januzaj’s ability but the Belgian’s injury problems have prevented any consistency.
Vargas, described as a player who can unbalance defences, has suffered four injuries in just 10 months. If he can stay fit, he could be crucial in Sevilla’s battle against the drop.
For Almeyda, it’s a proper hospital pass from the board. Without new signings, Sevilla’s season may well depend on whether these crocked stars can not only return but stay fit for the relegation dogfight ahead.