Zaragoza move fast to secure key midfielder amid transfer drama | OneFootball

Real Zaragoza are set to make Kervin Arriaga their first signing for the 2025-26 season, with the Honduran midfielder’s move from Partizan Belgrade close to completion. The deal, finalised subject to a last round of talks, will see Zaragoza pay €400,000—divided into an initial €300,000 and a further €100,000 payment—for the 26-year-old’s permanent transfer. As a part of the arrangement, Partizan will retain 25% of the profit from any future sale.

Arriaga is expected to sign a contract until 2028 with the Aragonese club. Having initially joined Zaragoza on loan in January, the midfielder was previously tied to Partizan until 2027. The loan agreement included a €600,000 buy option, automatically triggered by promotion to La Liga if he played the majority of matches. Despite missing out on promotion, Zaragoza began negotiating a lower fee in February, citing Partizan’s financial situation and Arriaga’s own complaint to FIFA regarding unpaid wages in Serbia. Partizan accepted the revised terms, with the process accelerating once Zaragoza’s league status was secured.

Sporting director and interim coach Gabi confirmed Arriaga’s importance to the project, stating, “We’re in contact and talking with him. Kervin is a very important player for us— I only want footballers who wish to play at Zaragoza. As long as they want to be here, talks will continue with them.”

Arriaga has featured in 17 matches since his debut against Tenerife in January, starting 15 of them. He quickly became a regular fixture under coach Ramírez, operating in central midfield, and has remained key under Gabi, who views his continued presence as fundamental to next season’s plans.

Before his stint in Belgrade, Arriaga’s career included spells in Honduras with Platense and Marathón, followed by a move to Minnesota United in 2022. There, he made 65 appearances and attracted attention for his versatility and work rate. Partizan signed him in June last year for roughly $500,000, but his time in Serbia was marred by contractual disputes, prompting his move to Spain.

The final formalities are expected soon, although Arriaga’s arrival for pre-season will be delayed due to international duty with Honduras in June, where he is set to face Canada, El Salvador, and Curaçao. Nevertheless, his integration into Zaragoza’s midfield for the upcoming campaign appears all but assured, marking an early stride in the club’s summer planning.

Source: El Periódico de Aragón