Málaga CF have finalised their squad for the 2026/27 season following Tuesday's closure of the summer transfer window. The LaLiga club made eight new signings and oversaw nine departures, resulting in a 28-man group for manager Funes, as reported by La Opinión de Málaga.
The sporting direction, led by Loren Juarros, has been busy throughout the summer. The team has strengthened several areas with five loan arrivals and three free-agent signings. This flurry of activity marks a shift from last year's more stable approach. Fans can check the full team composition on our squad page.
Who are Málaga CF's new signings?
The eight new players set to wear the blue and white shirt blend experience and youth. Arriving on free transfers are centre-back Fernando Calero, midfielder Pablo Martínez and defender Juan Berrocal. They are joined by five loan signings: full-backs José Salinas (Espanyol) and Adam Aznou (Everton), full-back Juan Cruz (Leganés), midfielder Carlos Dotor (Celta) and midfielder Jens Cajuste (Napoli).
Cajuste was the last-minute addition, capping off a window the club views as successful. "The blue and white team strengthened on the last day of the market with Jens Cajuste," noted the Málaga CF-based outlet. The Danish midfielder brings energy and drive from the centre of the park, an area where Málaga wanted to add depth.
Which players have left the first team?
Nine players have departed the first-team setup. Jokin Gabilondo, Víctor García, Javi Montero, Josué Dorrio and Darko Brasanac saw their contracts expire. Luismi announced his retirement from professional football. Dani Sánchez and Juanpe terminated their contracts by mutual agreement. Striker Arriaza was loaned to Estepona, and Moussa will have to feature for the reserve team this campaign.
These departures freed up both budgetary and sporting space for the new arrivals. The exit of several centre-backs explains the moves for Calero and Berrocal. The team now enters a period of integration, with key fixtures on the horizon that can be tracked on our fixtures schedule.
How is the squad distributed by position?
Manager Funes has two senior goalkeepers: Alfonso Herrero, under contract until 2028, and Carlos López, tied down until 2029. In defence, the right flank will be covered by Carlos Puga and Rafita, both on long-term deals. The left side belongs to new signings Salinas and Aznou. Central defence is the most stocked area, with six options: Murillo, Calero, Berrocal, Galilea, Pastor and Recio.
The midfield adds new faces Cajuste, Dotor and Pablo Martínez to existing players like Izan Merino, Dani Lorenzo and Rafa Rodríguez. On the wings, Larrubia, Haitam, Juan Cruz, Lobete and Joaquín Muñoz will compete for places. The attack saw no changes, with Chupe, Adrián Niño and Eneko Jauregi remaining as the offensive references. The professional squad of 25 registered players is full, with three more youth players (Céspedes, Otu Jr. and Juani) providing support from the reserves.
What is the club's verdict on the transfer window?
The overall balance is positive, although the club acknowledges that one position, such as winger, could have received an extra reinforcement if an exit had materialised. The resulting squad is broad and offers options in almost every line. The objective now is for the group to gel quickly to face the start of LaLiga EA Sports with assurance.
The next official test for this new-look Málaga CF will be the match on the third league matchday, as per the official calendar, where they will face a heavyweight opponent that will test their newly assembled defensive solidity. Fernando Calero, one of the signings, has an initial contract until 2027 with an option for a further one-year extension.
