RCD Espanyol are prioritising the signing of a new centre-back after Fernando Calero’s departure to Málaga CF. The club, currently 11th in La Liga with 46 points from 38 games (12 wins, 10 draws, 16 losses), faces an urgent defensive reshuffle before the 2026/27 season kicks off.
What happened in the UE Olot friendly?
On Saturday 18 July, Espanyol lost 0-3 to UE Olot in their first pre-season friendly at Estadi Municipal d’Olot. Midfielder Urko González de Zárate was drafted in at centre-back and delivered a solid performance, helping to organise the build-up play. Head coach Manolo González’s decision to test Urko in defence underlines the club’s need for a first-choice defender alongside Leandro Cabrera.
Why Calero’s exit leaves Espanyol exposed at the back
Fernando Calero, who left on 30 June after seven seasons and 181 competitive appearances, joined Málaga CF on a free transfer. His exit leaves Espanyol short of specialist centre-backs and forces an immediate market response. Sporting director Monchi confirmed Calero’s replacement is the next priority: “We’ve already replaced Carlos, Pickel and Ramón, and now we need Calero,” he said during the squad overhaul this summer.
Riedel and Timera step up in the second half
For the second half against UE Olot, Manolo González paired youngsters Clemens Riedel and Adama Timera at the heart of defence. The 21-year-old German took charge of the ball from the back, while the Senegalese academy graduate brought physicality and composure in duels. Their combined display offered reassurance in a defence that needs fresh legs.
Pablo Ramón and Miguel Rubio sidelined
Pablo Ramón, under contract until 2028, did not feature against UE Olot and looks set to join Racing de Santander on a permanent deal. Miguel Rubio was also omitted from the squad, further signalling that the coach is reshaping his defensive options ahead of the league opener.
Espanyol’s next outing comes on Tuesday 21 July at 19:30 local time in Peralada against Pau FC. Monchi aims to complete the squad, especially at centre-back, before the league curtain-raiser on 22 August at home to Real Madrid at the RCDE Stadium. The team has scored 43 goals and conceded 55 so far, sits 48 points behind Barcelona, and must turn around a recent run of two defeats and three wins in their last five games to improve on last season’s 11th-place finish.
