Zaragoza threaten radical summer shake-up | OneFootball

Real Zaragoza enter the summer with a sizeable group of 23 players under contract for 2024/25, but few can take their spot in next season’s squad for granted. After surviving another bruising Segunda campaign—and with a new sporting leadership duo of Juanfran Torres and Jorge López set to arrive—substantial changes are anticipated across the dressing room.

The turnover begins at the back, where the defensive frailties that dogged the side point towards a major reshuffle. Veterans Jair, Nieto and Lluís López have reached the end of their contracts, with only a slim chance of Jair extending following his revival under Gabi Fernández. Clemente returns to Las Palmas after his loan, leaving Calero, Tasende, Luna (now contracted until 2029), Vital (2026), and Kosa on the books. However, with the back line a persistent source of concern, the summer should bring significant movement in this area—many of these players could be moved on if the incoming sporting team opts for a full-scale rebuild.

The goalkeeping situation is also fluid. Poussin is the only clear candidate to stay as number one, with Femenías’s struggles placing his future in doubt despite another year left on his contract. There’s an expectation that Zaragoza will at least explore the market for a new first-choice goalkeeper.

Midfield presents fewer immediate gaps. Guti, Keidi Bare, Aketxe, and the recently extended Toni Moya and Francho provide a foundation, while Kervin Arriaga is set to make his permanent move official. Yet the squad’s staleness in this area means further additions are possible; even recent signings are not immune to review by the new football leadership.

Up front, the composition remains unsettled. Dani Gómez, Pau Sans and Soberón are contracted long-term, as is Bazdar—although his situation is clouded by recent signs of discontent. After a sharp reduction in minutes and some pointed social media commentary about feeling undervalued, the Serbian forward may look for an exit if his prospects do not improve. All loan forwards will return to their parent clubs, with Marí heading back to Valencia and Liso set to join Getafe in a move linked to the arrival of manager Gabi Fernández. Sergi Enrich and Sinan Bakis, on loan at Huesca and in Poland respectively, are unlikely to feature again for Zaragoza.

Youngsters Gori, Juan Sebastián, Borge and Alberto Vaquero—each out on loan—face decisions on whether to form part of next year’s squad or depart once more.

This all unfolds against the backdrop of a club gearing up for its most far-reaching off-pitch overhaul in years. Gabi Fernández, who almost certainly continues as manager, has left little doubt about the need to “start from scratch” if Zaragoza are to again fight at the right end of the table. The question now is just how ruthless—and ambitious—the new leadership will be as they start the rebuild.

Source: El Periódico de Aragón, Sport Aragón, Marca