Jordi Ortega’s path from Villarreal prospect to Sabadell promotion, a year of learning | OneFootball

Jordi Ortega’s path from Villarreal prospect to Sabadell promotion mixed promise with setback. The Grao de Castellón midfielder left Villarreal after 16 years, joined Sabadell, played little and called it a learning season. According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, he is fit again.

He passed Villarreal’s trials in 2010 aged seven, joining as a second-year prebenjamín after spells with CD Castellón’s escoleta and San Pedro. A left-footer suited to Miralcamp, he rose through the ranks while training with his father.

He was soon bracketed with Rodri Alonso among the standouts, earned seven Spain under-16 caps and finished under-12 runner-up with the Valencian federation team.

2023/24 was meant to be his chance with Villarreal B, but an ACL tear kept him out for 18 months. His last game came on 23 April 2023 for Villarreal C against Jove Español. In 2024/25 he lacked minutes, moved to the C team in January, then departed despite a year left.

He joined Sabadell’s Primera Federación project. Ortega made three appearances, accepted he lacked minutes and that the manager overlooked him late on, yet he valued the learning, stayed injury-free and felt like a footballer again. He also praised the support as Sabadell clinched promotion in a thrilling final.

He declined to inflame debate after team-mate Diego Fuoli led a celebratory chant insulting Pedro Sánchez, saying it surprised everyone.

Looking to 26/27, indications are that Ortega will not continue at Sabadell as his contract ends. He hopes to find an ambitious project and relaunch his left foot.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo