SAY HELLO AND WAVE GOODBYE (signings, departures and general info)

On my update on the 22^nd June  https://mercancialanzarote.com/2024/06/22/update-new-signings-renewed-contracts/ I had mentioned that six players from last season had renewed their contracts with the club and there had been three new signings. A little over three weeks later and there has been another six players continuing with the club along with four more new signings.

The new manager Juan Carlos Socorro has kept the same six training staff as last season including assistant manager Sergio Hernández which will give him the benefit of joining a new club whilst already having everything in place.

NEW SIGNINGS

Javi Mayor

The 21 year old central defender from Gran Canaria spent one season in the RFEF 2 (Fourth Tier) when he was 19 years of age with CF P.P. San Mateo and last season played 34 matches for the same club all of them as a starter including knocking the Rojillos out of the playoffs in Arrecife. He is a modern centre back, comfortable playing the ball out from the defence and can play on either the left or the right hand side who can also pitch in with a goal, scoring three last season.

Nadjib Mengoud Montes

The Rojillos increase their attacking options with Nadjib. After spending many years away from Lanzarote with clubs such as CD Tenerife B, Real Murcia and CF Badalona, Nadjib returned to the island last season playing for CF San Bartolomé. The 28 year old made 19 appearances from the start and scored five goals. He is fast, can play on either wing and loves running at defences.

Agoney Rodríguez

Many of you will recognize central defender Agoney. The 21 year old was with the Rojillos two seasons ago and even though the club wanted to renew his contract he felt that he needed a change so signed for CF San Bartolomé. The six foot (183cm) defender made 18 appearances for CF San Bartolomé with 13 of those games in the starting line up scoring three goals. Agoney is a very smooth technical player and has excellent heading ability.

Iván Aguilar

The vastly experienced centre forward began last season in the RFEF 3 with Real Jaén but midway through the season moved to La Unión Atlético in the RFEF 2. The 33 year old has a wealth of experience in this league and above and is looking forward to this new challenge.

These four players will join up with the other three new signings, attacking midfielder Pablo Rivero, striker Álvaro Iglesias and defender Andoni Fernández.

THE OLD GUARD

Midfielder Dani González agreed an extension to his contract on the 24^th June for his second consecutive season. In total this will be Dani´s fourth season as a Rojillo as he had one season in the mainland playing in the fourth tier combining with studies. Dani is a solid player who can also easily slip into a central defender position and even though he has been around for a while he is only 24 years of age and has much more to offer.

Venezuelan Dani Febles arrived on the island in the winter transfer window last season and instantly became one of the favourites with his team mates and won favour with the management with his professional attitude. Dani is a left sided winger however he seemed to enjoy being an attacking wing back last season with consistent performances and a deadly cross. The 33 year old arrived on the island with his wife and children and they have all fell in love with Lanzarote and I know Dani is delighted to be with the club for another season. I am sure the well travelled Venezuelan who speaks perfect English will show the younger members of the squad what it takes to be a professional as you would expect from someone who has represented his country.

Our player of the season from the last campaign Adrián Machín has once again pledged his immediate future with the Rojillos for his fifth consecutive season. It hasn’t been an easy four years for the incredibly talented 24 year old. He has been sent on loan and impressed in Sweden during that time but still failed to hold down a regular spot in the Lanzarote first team, however all that changed in winter last season. The winger was superb after new coach Nazareno Brindisi gave him his chance and he unleashed the talent that everyone at the club knew he had scoring on seven occasions. The local lad was so proud to be awarded the “Nina Gil” player of the season award and with his confidence now restored I think we are still to see the best of Machín.

19 year old Isaac Morales has been awarded a contract with the first team after impressing over the past few years and completing a great season for the Juniors. The defensive central midfielder who can also drop into the centre back position will also be registered for the B team, though he will be training under the guidance of first team manager Juan Carlos Socorro.

Another player promoted to the first team is Argentine Valentín Pardo. The 21 year old arrived at the club last summer and enjoyed a fabulous first season as a regular with the B team narrowly missing out on promotion in the playoff final. He is skilful, quick and can play on either wing and he will also be eligible to play for the B team.

What can I say that hasn’t been said already about our latest renewal on this update, Ayoze Pérez. The club captain leads by example, is adored by the fans and is simply one of the best players in UD Lanzarote´s history. This time last season it seemed uncertain whether he was going to continue and possibly go on to retire. Thankfully he didn’t and this season it’s good to see that there was no talk of retirement because the 37 year old still has a lot to offer. It’s true he didn’t start as many matches as in previous seasons but he was involved in most games. Last season he played in defence, midfield and attack and his versatility and experience with the younger players is invaluable to the club.

These six players now join the other six renewals consisting of midfielder Javi Martín, Goalkeepers Alejandro and Ruymán, winger Ale Fuentes, Centre back Raúl and defender Alex Cruz.

GOODBYES

In football one thing that you can expect especially in the lower leagues where contracts are usually just for a season is a lot of comings and goings. For various reasons we have to say goodbye to Matías, Chucky, Justo, Traoré, León, Santi, Jorge. Leo and Guize. I am sure on behalf of all Rojillo fans we thank you for your service and wish you the very best in your careers and personal life.

It is always sad to see players leave but as fans and as a club we move on and these new and current players will be aspiring to receive the applause from the third most supported club in the Canary Islands.