😱 Is Morata joining? 5️⃣ random signings in Spanish football | OneFootball

Today, Leganés confirmed one of the most random signings of this transfer window. Despite being in the second division, they’ve brought in Álvaro Morata on loan from Como, even though just two years ago he was lifting the European Championship trophy with Spain. 

With that in mind, we’re taking the chance to look back at 5 of the most random signings in recent years.

Johan Cruyff to Levante

In 1981, Johan Cruyff pulled off a historic and unexpected move by joining Levante UD in the Segunda División after his spell in the American NASL. Despite the huge media impact and the fans’ excitement, the experience lasted only a few months.

His performances were affected by injuries and financial disagreements. Cruyff played just ten matches, scored two goals, and could not prevent the team’s sporting collapse.

Javier Pastore to Elche

In September 2021, Javier Pastore signed for Elche CF after terminating his contract with Roma, generating huge media buzz in the Spanish top flight.

However, his time at the Alicante club was marked by constant physical problems and a lack of continuity. The talented Argentine attacking midfielder played only 16 official matches over a season and a half, without registering any goals or assists, before terminating his contract in January 2023.

Hatem Ben Arfa to Real Valladolid

In January 2020, Hatem Ben Arfa arrived at Real Valladolid as the marquee signing pushed by Ronaldo Nazário. The arrival of the talented French attacker created huge excitement among the Valladolid fans, but his spell at the club was merely anecdotal.

Hampered by a lack of fitness and the pandemic stoppage, he played only five league matches — just one as a starter — without contributing any goals or assists before leaving on a free in the summer.

Rafael Van der Vaart to Betis

In June 2015, Rafael van der Vaart joined Real Betis as a marquee signing, helped by his family connection to the Cádiz town of Chiclana. Expectations were sky-high in Heliópolis, but his spell turned out to be hugely disappointing.

Hampered by constant physical problems and a lack of form, the talented Dutch attacking midfielder played only nine official matches all season, without scoring, before being transferred to Danish side Midtjylland in the summer of 2016.

Gerard Piqué to Zaragoza

In the summer of 2006, Gerard Piqué arrived on loan at Real Zaragoza from Manchester United to get more playing time in La Liga. Under Víctor Fernández, the young Catalan centre-back enjoyed a breakthrough season, showing defensive maturity and excellent ball-playing ability.

He played 28 official matches, scored three goals, and was a key figure in the team qualifying for the UEFA Cup, relaunching his career before returning to England.

And which one would you add to the list?

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.