Fran Garagarza’s work at @RCDEspanyol is starting to draw attention. The director of football has set clear rules in the market while rebuilding the club’s identity.
Let me tell you the story via the latest offer from the #PremierLeague (#nottinghamforest) and the signings so far
On Omar: Nottingham Forest made an offer. Garagarza referred them to the release clause (€25m + €5m). The Morocco international, under contract until 2027, is considered untouchable.
Fran mapped out his consolidation, just as he did with Jofre, Roca or Joan García. He does not negotiate for key players, as has been clear so far: release clause or nothing
This summer, #OGCNice asked about striker Roberto Fernandez. The response was the same: no negotiations, only the clause.
Garagarza has so far refused to compromise on Espanyol’s KEY PLAYERS.
INCOMINGS show a different side: long-term planning and opportunism.
KOLEOSHO: three months of work went into the Luka deal (so before the takeover). A move prepared patiently over the summer. When Fran arrived at the club, Luka had already been transferred, even though Fran wasn’t in favor of it
DOLAN: a rapid move. Garagarza already had him on his list since the DoF’s Wolves days, moved quickly when the opportunity arose, and secured the player before rivals could act.
He was quick because he knew the player was becoming available to clubs outside the UK, which is what the player wanted after rejecting the contract renewal from Blackburn Rovers
GUIDO: at present, #WestHam are asking for €5 million — a price beyond Espanyol’s current financial reach (so far €6.2m has gone on 50% of Roberto and €1.5m on Riedel, no much more room for manoeuvre. Most of Joan Garcia transfer fee went to pay debt). Even so, Fran has been pursuing the deal for some time and is not giving up.
The pattern is clear: Koleosho, Dolan, Guido… all point to Garagarza’s command of the Premier League market, knowledge he refined during his Wolves experience.
His RELATIONSHIP with new OWNER Alan Pace has also been crucial. Every Espanyol signing has been led by Garagarza, with Pace approving after reviewing the very detailed reports presented.
So far this season, Garagarza is the sporting director with the most signings in LaLiga and among the most active in Europe’s top leagues.
Beyond transfers, he has acted on IDENTITY. Half of Espanyol’s first-team squad are now CATALANS or ACADEMY @RCDE_La21 graduates — a deliberate move to strengthen the sense of belonging and recover the club’s traditional essence.
So…
Clause-first policy on key players.
Long-term planning and quick moves in the market.
Premier League expertise.
Focus on local identity.
That is Garagarza’s Espanyol project.
🚨 Pericos, ¿no os queréis perder el debut liguero del @RCDEspanyol en el RCDE Stadium?
Sorteamos una entrada doble para el #EspanyolAtleti🎟️
Para participar:
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⏰ Sorteo abierto hasta el domingo 17 a las 12h
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🎥 Rufián, a Vox: "Los españoles primero hasta que llega un extranjero rico [...] Ustedes no van a expulsar a nadie, y mucho menos a ocho millones de personas, primero porque si expulsa a tanta gente va a tener que trabajar hasta Abascal"
https://t.co/OLAxM7NyNj
🚨¡SORTEO EXPRESS!🚨
Sorteamos 2 entradas en Tribuna Presidencial para el partido ante el Getafe👇
1️⃣ Síguenos @RCDeSports
2️⃣ MG + RT
3️⃣ Menciona en comentarios a la persona que quieres que te acompañe
El sorteo finaliza el jueves 17 a las 10:00h⏰
#RCDE
THE. FRANCHISE.
OFFICIAL: We’ve agreed to terms with 4x All-Star, 2x Silver Slugger, 2x All-MLB First Team Member, 2x Tip O'Neill Award Winner, Hank Aaron Award Winner, and Gold Glover Vladimir Guerrero Jr. on a 14-year contract extension!