UPDATE, NEW SIGNINGS, RENEWED CONTRACTS
The season may have finished but work behind the scenes never stops as UD Lanzarote look forward to the 2024/25 season.
At present the club have renewed the contracts of six of their players from last season with many more imminent as well as three new faces which I am sure all Rojillo fans wish to welcome.
NEW SIGNINGS
Pablo Rivero (Pablillo)
The first of these three new signings is Pablo Rivero Molino who maybe new to the club but he is certainly not new to the island as he is a Conejero (Local). For the past few years the attacking midfielder has been in Madrid playing his football whilst combining studies. The 26 year old usually plays on the left though he can easily switch positions. Pablillo is extremely happy returning to the island and believes the experience of playing in Madrid has seen him improve as a player and he cannot wait for the start of the season.
Álvaro Iglesias
The 26 year old striker has had plenty of experience in the equivalent division in the mainland and also from the league above with Arenas de Getxo where he has just arrived from. The 6 foot 1 inch (1.86m) centre forward is strong and fast and will fight for every ball as well as creating and scoring goals.
Andoni Fernández (Oli)
The 28 year old predominantly plays as left back and possesses strength and speed which allows him to also play in an offensive role for his team. The defender has played for many teams in the same category and last season played in the Castilla La Mancha region of Spain. Oli is looking forward to the start of pre season and has the same ambitions as the club on wishing to achieve promotion.
THE OLD GUARD
The first renewal was Javi Martín. The elegant midfielder is a delight to watch and is one of those players that always seem to have so much time on the ball. The 26 year old suffered an injury late on in the season just as he was hitting peak form and was a guaranteed starter. He did return and made some substitute appearances but now he is injury free and ready to go.
Goalkeepers Ruymán Fernández and Alejandro Martín were next to pledge their immediate futures to the club. How fortunate the Rojillos are in having not just two excellent goalkeepers but two leaders, two best friends and two players totally committed to the club. As fans we are spoiled when we see that team sheet knowing that whichever keeper is chosen he will give 100% and that is why they are both captains of the club (main photo).
Winger Ale Fuentes played in almost all of Lanzarote´s matches last season and pitched in with five goals. The 24 year old can switch flanks at the drop of a hat and has tremendous ability. I feel we are yet to see the best of this exciting player. He has terrific pace and possesses a powerful shot and the club are delighted to retain his services.
Centre back Raúl Hernández will begin his 11th consecutive season leading the heart of the Rojillos defence. The 29 year old does his talking on the pitch with his no nonsense style of play making him one of the most feared players in the league and a crowd favourite. He never gives less than 100% and never needs to be told he has made a mistake as he is his own biggest critic which is why he is one of the clubs four captains.
Wing back Alex Cruz had been one of Lanzarote´s best players of the season up until he was injured late on in the season versus CD Tenerife B. It was a devastating loss to the club especially as his injury happened just after the departure of striker Di Renzo. He played 24 games last season and scored four goals including an incredible goal near the halfway line versus San Bartolomé. The 27 year old is now fully recovered and ready to return.
This is all that the club can confirm at present however the technical team are in progressive talks and expect to announce further signings in the coming days. Pre season usually begins mid to late July with the season expected to begin early September. Don’t hold your breath for the Federation to announce fixtures as they are normally released late July or early August.
I generally update every couple of weeks during the off season but if you wish to see the up-to-date signings go onto the official Facebook club page UD Lanzarote.
