The signing that Girona took half a year to convince (already reluctantly)

GironaGirona hopes to finalize several deals during the winter transfer window to climb out of the relegation zone, where they have remained since the start of the season. Currently, there is no position where manager Míchel Sánchez doesn't need reinforcements, whether due to poor form in some areas or a lack of depth in others. These new signings will also necessitate the departure of some players. Therefore, there will be both arrivals and departures.

A name occupies the pole position Regarding signings, the focus is on Argentinian Claudio Echeverri, who didn't want to join Girona in the summer and isn't prioritizing it now either, but it seems he'll have no other choice. Manchester City wanted to send him to Catalonia six months ago, but the player consistently refused, overwhelmed by the offers from Roma and Bayer Leverkusen, the club he ultimately signed with on loan. However, he's barely featured in Germany, and the loan will end on January 1st, in a move that has been announced even though it's not yet official.

Girona's attacking woes – with players who haven't lived up to expectations, such as Yasser Asprilla, who could be the biggest casualty of this move, or Abel Ruiz – and injuries – in Portu's case, a serious one that will sideline him for the entire season – are forcing the club to act urgently. It is in this context that Manchester City are definitively pushing Echeverri towards Montilivi, even though the midfielder wants to return to River Plate, the club from which City signed him. His agent, Enzo Montepaone, confirmed this a few days ago. "Yes, he wants to go to Argentina, but Manchester won't let him. Currently, Girona is the most concrete option, without ruling out others."

Last season, Girona avoided relegation more through sheer determination than skillful play. This will undoubtedly be key again this season, as they have always relied on a strong dressing room atmosphere to achieve their annual goals. It's surprising, then, that the first signing to lift Míchel's team out of the relegation zone—a team that has only managed 31 points out of a possible 111 in 2025—is a player who doesn't want to play for Girona. No one denies his talent; let's talk about other things that are perhaps more important at Montilivi.

Asprilla, Solís, or both

The arrival of Echeverri will mean the departure of one non-EU player, as the maximum allowed is three, and currently there are Vitor Reis (also on loan from City, meaning he's untouchable), Jhon Solís, and Yáser Asprilla. There are different scenarios surrounding the two Colombians, who could leave at the same time. Solís is getting little playing time, and Asprilla, the most expensive signing in the club's history, seems to have exhausted everyone's patience because he just can't seem to make an impact.

The forward line isn't the only area Girona hopes to strengthen. They will necessarily need to reinforce the goalkeeping position, because Dominik Livakovic, who has refused to play, wants to leave. This opens the door to many potential signings, with the underlying rumors about the possible transfer of Ter Stegen—something almost impossible unless Barça or the German himself agree to waive the majority of his astronomical salary.

More or less the same applies to the defense, the worst in the league, having conceded 33 goals in 17 matches. Signing a versatile player, preferably left-footed, who can play in the center of defense and also at full-back, would be a good fit. In the past, players like Mika Mármol from Las Palmas, whose contract expires in June, have been mentioned, but the Canary Islanders are proving to be a tough negotiator. The ideal scenario would also include strengthening the midfield. Whatever happens, Girona has its work cut out for it.