Unai Núñez arrives at RCD Espanyol and is set to start
The Basque centre‑back, loaned with a purchase option from RC Celta de Vigo, finished his first training session and will start against Levante UD on matchday 1. With a fee of €720,000 plus a €40,000 bonus, the club bets on his physical strength and aerial prowess.
What does Núñez bring to the back line?
Núñez is a hard‑tackling defender, strong in duels and with excellent one‑on‑one coverage. His aerial game is solid, making him valuable on corners and long balls. However, his ball‑control is limited, and the coach appears to rely on him to build play from the back alongside Leandro Cabrera.
How does he fit the current RCD Espanyol situation?
The side finished the 2025 season in tenth place in LaLiga with 38 points, 10 wins, 8 draws and 13 losses, and a recent form of LDLLD. Scoring 37 goals while conceding 48 (‑11 goal difference), the club needs defensive reinforcement to narrow the 41‑point gap to leaders Barcelona. Núñez’s arrival aims to improve that balance and lower the average of 0.27 cards per match.
Is he a good Fantasy pick?
Despite his physical presence, the lack of ball‑play makes him unreliable for users seeking clean‑exit points. Moreover, adapting to the blue‑white shirt may take time. Therefore, we do not recommend him as a Fantasy starter at the beginning of LaLiga, though his improvement potential keeps him on the watch list.
What’s next for RCD Espanyol?
The manager will continue assessing Núñez during the early games while the squad seeks defensive stability. If the player adapts quickly, he could cement a starting role and eventually justify the purchase option in his loan. Meanwhile, fans can follow updates on the site’s WhatsApp channel.
