Málaga CF has finalized its squad for the 2026/27 season by retaining its core of homegrown players and making seven new signings, as reported by El Español. The summer transfer window, which closed this week, was heavily influenced by a series of significant injuries within the squad.
Sporting director Loren Juarros secured contract renewals for key academy graduates like Chupe, Larrubia, Dani Lorenzo, Izan Merino, and Rafita. The club also arranged a new loan deal for midfielder Carlos Dotor and renewed the contracts of Einar Galilea and Eneko Jauregi. The main goal was unequivocal: keep the young talent that earned promotion to La Liga.
How did injuries shape the signings?
Summer planning was disrupted from the start. It was known that centre-back Diego Murillo would be out until well into the first half of the season. His initial replacement, Fernando Calero, then fractured several ribs in a friendly. This forced the last-minute arrival of Juan Berrocal. Furthermore, during pre-season, the team lost Aarón Ochoa to a meniscus tear and Adrián Niño to a soleus injury.
These setbacks pushed the club to seek players with ready-made experience. "The final map of the Málaga squad, however, has been conditioned by injuries and the physical condition of some players," the outlet explained. This resulted in the squad carrying six centre-backs, all with top-flight experience except one.
Who are the new arrivals?
The seven signings are players over the age of 25, except for full-back Adam Aznou (20), on loan from Everton. Defence was bolstered with Juan Berrocal, José Salinas, and the aforementioned Calero. For the engine room, Pablo Martínez and Swedish international Jens Cajuste arrived, the latter bringing experience from Ligue 1, Serie A, and the Premier League.
The profile sought was players with their best years ahead. Only Calero is 30. The final squad lists 25 first-team players plus Aarón Ochoa and Aznou, who will be registered with the reserve team. You can view the full lineup on our squad page.
What role will the academy bloc play?
The so-called 'Bichos' will be the backbone of the project. Their continuity was the priority for Loren Juarros and manager Funes. Players like Larrubia and Merino were convinced that Málaga is their best path. Merino, in fact, played much of pre-season as a centre-back, covering a need.
With Ochoa and Niño out, other youngsters will get their chance. Haitam has covered for Joaquín Muñoz in the early league games, and Lobete is the natural option to replace Adrián Niño. Trust in the youth system is complete.
How does the squad look for the league start?
Málaga faces the fourth matchday with some gaps but a secure foundation. The next fixture is on Sunday, 6 September against UD Levante at La Rosaleda. All match details are on our fixtures calendar.
The main question is how Funes will manage the defence when all centre-backs are fit. With Murillo, Calero, and Berrocal, he will have plenty of options. For now, the team relies on its young stars. The final move of the window was the departure of academy product Arriaza. The squad is now locked until at least the January transfer window.
