Juanjo Nieto returns to Castellón: five key takeaways from an academy homecoming | OneFootball

Juanjo Nieto has rejoined CD Castellón, the right-back returning to his boyhood club and city in a move with emotional pull and immediate sporting value. The announcement coincided with UD Almería unveiling Brian Cipenga, and it addresses a role that needed reinforcement.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, Jérémy Mellot was effectively the only specialist right-back last season, which forced Pablo Hernández into fixes when Mellot was suspended, then injured during the final weeks including the play-off. Midfielder Beñat Gerenabarrena even had to cover on the flank.

Nieto arrives in top shape after winning the league in Slovenia with Celje, where he was a key figure. He featured in the Europa Conference League, reaching the quarter-finals in 2024/2025 and the last 16 in 2025/2026, and scored one of the standout goals of the Slovenian campaign. At 31, his experience should suit the demands of Segunda División.

His profile fits Hernández’s front-foot, possession-minded style, where full-backs are pivotal. Nieto offers depth, energy and tactical awareness to sustain long attacks, provide width and raise internal competition. He has spoken of long-held excitement to return and of the joy of playing again in his city and stadium.

Identity and ambition also align. A Castelló native from Rafalafena, the same neighbourhood as Hernández, he understands the club and its supporters. For the squad it is a proven right-back, for the dressing room experience and character, and for fans an academy graduate back at SkyFi Castalia with the hunger to make an immediate impact.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo