The only team in the 5 major leagues that did not spend a euro is from Spain

The Espanyol fans are still celebrating the first victory of the 24-25 season against Rayo Vallecano, a triumph that has injected hope into their return to the First Division. However, enthusiasm is mixed with caution due to the club's economic situation. Fran Garagarza, in charge of sports management, faced the challenge of building a competitive team in LaLiga EA Sports without making any signings, making Espanyol the only club in the championship and the top European leagues that did not spend a single euro in the transfer market.

Despite financial difficulties, Garagarza stood firm and opted for a strategy based on the academy and loaned players. The club received a tempting offer from Arsenal for the young goalkeeper Joan García, close to 20 million euros. However, Garagarza did not yield, demanding the payment of his 30-million-euro release clause, aware that only 20% of the sale could be used for reinforcements, while the remaining 80% had to go towards reducing the club's debt.

8 new players for Espanyol and 7 are on loan

Although Espanyol did not carry out the promised capital increase, it managed to incorporate eight new players. Seven of them arrived on loan, while Álvaro Tejero was the only free signing, coming from Eibar. Among the new temporary additions, Carlos Romero (Villarreal), Alex Král (Union Berlin), Alejo Veliz (Tottenham), Cardona (Augsburg), Kumbulla (Roma), Cheddira (Naples), and Naci Ünüvar (Ajax) stand out, the latter being registered with the reserve team's number to comply with financial fair play regulations.

Fran Garagarza also focused his strategy on strengthening the academy, renewing young promises like Miguel Carvalho, Javi Hernández, and Roger, many of whom were loaned to continue their development with the hope of returning to the first team with greater experience. In the current season, Manolo González's team, which has suffered numerous absences, has a third of its squad made up of academy players, reaffirming the club's commitment to developing its base.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El único equipo de las 5 Grandes Ligas que no gastó un euro es de España