Almería's winter window masterclass paying dividends already
The Andalusian side's shrewd January business has transformed their promotion push with three quality signings already making an impact on the pitch.
A textbook example of how to nail the January transfer window when most clubs are making a dog’s dinner of it.
Winter window wizardry
The January transfer market is typically a minefield where Spanish clubs with dwindling financial muscle struggle to find quality. Yet Almería have somehow managed to pull off three brilliant signings that have immediately strengthened their promotion push.
After years of trial and error in mid-season recruitment, the Andalusian outfit have struck gold this winter with three acquisitions that have dramatically raised the squad’s quality:
- Miguel de la Fuente - Arrived on loan from Leganés with a purchase option
- Rodrigo Ely - Returned for a second spell after recovering from his third ACL injury
- Morcillo - Perhaps their best signing of the season, snatched for around €500,000
Immediate impact
The new boys haven’t wasted any time making their mark. De la Fuente has quickly established himself in Rubi’s starting eleven despite limited minutes at Leganés. Though yet to score, his movement and hold-up play have been instrumental in Almería’s recent six-point haul, including a brilliant assist for Arribas against Cádiz.
Morcillo has been the real diamond geezer, though. Described as a “Primera player in Segunda División,” Almería had been tracking him since last season and beat top-flight clubs to his signature. With his Albacete contract expiring this summer, they secured him for well below market value. He’s scored in both his starts, including a spectacular winner at Mirandilla that secured three points.
Meanwhile, Ely has returned with the same reliability that helped Almería earn promotion during his first stint. Despite his injury history, he showed his leadership qualities during a fifteen-minute cameo against Cádiz, bringing calm to the defence when the pressure was on. His influence in the dressing room might prove even more valuable than his on-pitch contribution.
Promotion dreams
Despite missing out on primary targets like Pulido and Quim Junyent (both signed for next summer), the sporting directors have assembled an enviable squad to continue fighting for automatic promotion.
In a notoriously difficult winter market, they’ve added genuine quality that’s already delivering points. These shrewd additions have undoubtedly strengthened Almería’s hand for the business end of the season.