Málaga CF has completed the loan of José Salinas, a 25‑year‑old left‑back, for the 2026/27 season, strengthening the left flank with a player who offers strong offensive drive and experience in the Segunda División.
Who is José Salinas and what style does he bring?
Salinas is known for his willingness to get to the by‑line and combine speed with accurate crossing. His profile mirrors that of Carlos Puga or Rafita, but with a greater tendency to join the attack on the ball’s exit. In the 2021/22 season with Unionistas in Primera RFEF, he scored six goals and provided two assists, showing his vertical edge.
How has he performed at his previous clubs?
At Mirandés (2022/23) he added two goals and three assists, while during Elche’s promotion campaign (2024/25) he recorded three goals and three assists in 41 matches across league and cup. These figures highlight a consistent offensive output that the Funesbuque aims to exploit, especially in a possession‑focused, wing‑play system.
Why is Espanyol letting him go?
Salinas signed with Espanyol in 2023 on a contract running to 2028, but competition from Carlos Romero and the arrivals of Roger Hinojo and Quilindschy Hartman limited his playing time. With no clear path in Manolo González’s squad, the player chose to seek continuity on the Costa del Sol, where Loren Juarros’s project offers a starting role.
What does his arrival mean for Málaga CF?
The signing gives the club a left‑back option who blends physical stamina - he is tireless in the kilometre count - with defensive solidity and recovery ability. Alongside Rafita and Puga, Salinas expands the tactical toolbox of the manager, allowing a shift between a traditional full‑back and one who pushes forward. The 2026/27 campaign could signal the start of a new defensive era for Málaga CF.
