Sevilla has definitively closed the controversy surrounding the sale of Oso, an issue that caused public discontent from coach Luis García Plaza. Sporting director José Ignacio Navarro explained to Mundo Deportivo the club's stance and the player's honesty, as he requested a move with ten months left on his contract due to much higher financial offers elsewhere.
The Andalusian team faces the season from sixth place in La Liga, with six points from three games and a recent form of LWW. Having scored six goals and conceded five, the aim is to maintain calm and grow, according to Navarro, as they prepare to visit Espanyol on September 6th. You can track the team's progress on our standings page.
Why was Oso sold?
The player's departure sparked controversy after Luis García Plaza showed his anger before and after the match against Atlético de Madrid. However, José Ignacio Navarro clarifies that the coach was informed throughout the process. The key was the impossibility of renewing Oso, whose contract had ten months remaining.
The player's agents informed the club that reaching a renewal agreement was very difficult due to significantly higher salary offers from other teams. "Oso was very honest. We worked on the renewal from months ago until preseason," stated Navarro. Ultimately, the player himself expressed his desire to leave and requested a transfer, leading Sevilla to accept a 10 million euro offer from French side Strasbourg.
How did the transfer window end?
With the sale of Oso and other important departures, Sevilla concluded a transfer window with a tally of eleven signings. On the final day, the loan deals for Félix Correia, Lucas Stassin, and Youssouf Fofana were completed. They join other signings such as Vlachodimos, Juan Iglesias, Guridi, Sangante, Julio Díaz, Kochorashvili, and Robbie Ure.
Navarro noted that the club's objective was to give the squad a turnaround and put everything on the pitch. The income from sales, including the 10 million for Oso, has been key to facing economic difficulties and La Liga's salary cap limits. The updated squad is available in our squad section.
What is the team's current context?
Sevilla started the season with two wins and one loss, sitting three points behind leaders Barcelona. The team has shown scoring ability but also some defensive fragility, with a +1 goal difference. The next challenge is a trip to Cornellà-El Prat to face Espanyol, who are eleventh in the table.
This match, scheduled for September 6th, will be an important test to consolidate the good league start. The details of this and all fixtures can be checked on the fixtures calendar. Navarro wishes Oso the best in his French adventure, thanking him for his honest stance during the process. The club now seeks a calm season, competing and growing without the upheavals of the past transfer market.
