Álex Calatrava Set to Become Monchi's First Signing at Espanyol
Espanyol has agreed to sign attacking midfielder Álex Calatrava from Castellón for €5 million, utilizing a release clause active from July 1. The move marks the first acquisition under new sporting director Monchi. Calatrava, a Barcelona native, excelled with 15 goals and 8 assists in Segunda División but narrowly missed promotion with Castellón. Manager Manolo González has long pursued him. Espanyol may negotiate player swaps to reduce the fee.
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Álex Calatrava Presented at Espanyol: 'I Come from the Bottom'
Álex Calatrava was officially unveiled as a new Espanyol player after a record transfer from CD Castellón exceeding €5 million, the highest in Castellón's 104-year history. The Catalan midfielder signed until 2031 and spoke at the RCDE Stadium about his goals for the season, emphasizing his desire to 'help a lot' and contribute to an 'exciting year.' He drew parallels with coach Manolo González, noting both rose from lower divisions through effort. Calatrava, who scored 15 goals in the 2025/26 campaign, said the sporting project convinced him to join. He acknowledged competition with Edu Expósito but focused on his own performance, preferring the number 10 role. The player admitted he has not fully processed playing in the First Division and reflected on his growth in Catalan lower categories, which he called 'mud football.'
Últimas NoticiasÁlex Calatrava Presented at Espanyol, Vows to Help Team in Exciting Year
Álex Calatrava was officially unveiled as a new Espanyol player after a record transfer from CD Castellón, exceeding €5 million. The Catalan midfielder, signed until 2031, spoke at the RCDE Stadium about his goals for the season, emphasizing his desire to 'help a lot' and contribute to an 'exciting year' for the blue-and-white team. He drew parallels with coach Manolo González, noting their shared journey from lower levels through effort and sacrifice. Calatrava highlighted the sporting project as decisive in his move, expressed confidence in his opportunity, and reflected on his growth beyond scoring 15 goals in the 2025/26 campaign. He admitted he has not fully processed playing in the First Division and addressed competition with Edu Expósito, stating his favorite position is as a number 10 but he can also play out wide. The transfer set a new record for Castellón, surpassing the previous sale of Daijiro Chirino to Almería.
Últimas NoticiasÁlex Calatrava Presented at Espanyol: 'It Was My Chance to Play in the Top Division'
RCD Espanyol officially presented Álex Calatrava as their new signing on July 7, 2026. The 26-year-old attacking midfielder expressed joy at returning to his home region and playing in La Liga's top division. Calatrava was accompanied by sporting director Monchi, who noted the player had been a target even before his arrival. Calatrava stated he prefers playing as a '10' but can adapt to wide positions. He acknowledged previous interest from coach Manolo González dating back to his time at Badalona. The player highlighted Espanyol's ambitious project and aims to help the team fight for European positions. Calatrava previously played for Castellón, where he posted strong numbers, and is eager to make his league debut against Levante. He credited his family's support throughout his career journey.
LALIGA EA Sports // marcaÁlex Calatrava Presented at Espanyol: 'It Was My Chance to Play in the Top Division'
RCD Espanyol officially presented Álex Calatrava as their new signing on July 7, 2026. The 26-year-old attacking midfielder expressed immense happiness at joining the club, calling it his opportunity to play in La Liga's top division, return home, and be close to his family. Calatrava was accompanied by sporting director Monchi, who noted the player was a target even before his arrival. Calatrava, who previously played for Castellón with strong numbers, said he prefers to play as a '10' but can adapt to the wings. He spoke of his ambition to help the team fight for European positions and repay the trust of coach Manolo González, who had long pursued him. The signing is part of Espanyol's ambitious project to rebuild after a tough previous season.
LALIGA EA Sports // marcaÁlex Calatrava Presented at Espanyol: 'It Was My Chance to Play in the Top Division, to Return Home'
On July 7, 2026, RCD Espanyol presented Álex Calatrava as their new signing. The player, accompanied by sporting director Monchi, expressed immense happiness at joining the club, calling it his opportunity to play in Spain's top division and return home to be near his family. Calatrava noted he had not yet spoken with coach Manolo González but was eager to repay the trust shown in him. He prefers playing as a '10' but can adapt to the wing. The signing had been pursued for some time, and Calatrava highlighted Espanyol's ambitious project and history. He aims to adapt quickly, contribute strong numbers, and help the team fight for European positions. His league debut is expected against Levante.
LALIGA EA Sports // marcaÁlex Calatrava's Emotional Farewell to CD Castellón After Record Transfer to Espanyol
Álex Calatrava has bid an emotional farewell to CD Castellón after his record transfer to RCD Espanyol, the largest in Castellón's history. In a letter posted on social media, the Catalan attacking midfielder reflected on two transformative years at the club, where he arrived on a free transfer from Atlético Madrid B in 2024 and became a key player in LaLiga Hypermotion. He scored 6 goals with 11 assists in his first season and 15 goals with 8 assists in his second, helping the team fight for promotion to La Liga. The transfer fee exceeded €5 million, including financing interests and a future sale percentage for Castellón. Calatrava thanked fans, teammates, and staff, stating that Castellón will always be part of his story.
Últimas NoticiasAlex Calatrava's Emotional Farewell to CD Castellón After Record Transfer to Espanyol
Álex Calatrava, a Catalan footballer, has bid an emotional farewell to CD Castellón fans after his transfer to RCD Espanyol, the largest transfer in Castellón's history valued at over five million euros. In a letter published on social media, Calatrava thanked the club for giving him the opportunity to fulfill his dream of becoming a professional footballer. He arrived on a free transfer from Atlético Madrid B in summer 2024 and spent two seasons with Castellón in LaLiga Hypermotion, scoring 21 goals and providing 19 assists across both campaigns. He became the team's offensive leader and helped them fight for promotion to La Liga. Calatrava highlighted the personal growth he experienced, his connection with fans at Castalia stadium, and expressed gratitude to teammates, coaches, and staff. The player stated Castellón will always be part of his story.
Últimas NoticiasReport reveals real figures and key details of Álex Calatrava's record transfer from CD Castellón to RCD Espanyol
CD Castellón and RCD Espanyol have finalized the transfer of attacking midfielder Álex Calatrava, the largest deal in Castellón's history. Calatrava, signed for free in 2024 from Primera RFEF, quickly became a key player, renewing his contract twice (first until 2028 with a €5M release clause, then until 2029 with a €10M+ clause). After scoring 15 goals and 8 assists in his second season and helping Castellón push for promotion, his release clause reverted to €5M. Espanyol, coached by Manolo González who knew the player, paid over €5M in installments with interest, also granting Castellón a right of first refusal on future Espanyol transfers and a 15% sell-on clause. The deal surpasses previous Castellón records (€2M for Álvaro Fidalgo and Daijiro Chirino), reflecting the club's growth under chairman Haralabos Voulgaris.
Últimas NoticiasÁlex Calatrava's Record Transfer from CD Castellón to RCD Espanyol: Figures and Key Details
CD Castellón and RCD Espanyol have completed the transfer of attacking midfielder Álex Calatrava, the largest operation in Castellón's history. Calatrava, who joined Castellón in 2024 from Primera RFEF, quickly became a key player, scoring 6 goals and providing 11 assists in his first Segunda División season. After a contract renewal raising his release clause to over €10 million, his second season saw him score 15 goals and 8 assists, helping Castellón challenge for promotion. Despite a clause reduction to €5 million after playoff elimination, Espanyol paid over that amount due to a financing structure: €5 million in installments plus interest, a right of first refusal on Espanyol players, and 15% of a future transfer fee for Castellón. The 26-year-old signs until 2031. This transfer surpasses previous club records, including the sales of Álvaro Fidalgo, Raúl Sánchez, and Daijiro Chirino.
Últimas NoticiasAlex Calatrava signs for Espanyol until 2031 as Monchi's first reinforcement
RCD Espanyol has announced the signing of 26-year-old winger Álex Calatrava from Castellón, making him the club's first reinforcement of the summer transfer window and the first signing under new sports director Monchi. Calatrava, a Barcelona-born Catalan footballer, has signed a five-season contract keeping him at the club until 2031. His performance with Castellón in the Hypermotion league was notable, with 75 appearances, 21 goals, and 19 assists. The player previously developed in Catalan football with clubs like Horta, Sant Andreu, Sants, and Costa Brava before a stint at Atlético de Madrid. Calatrava is expected to bolster the attack of Manolo González's team, bringing quality, imbalance, and talent to the final third. He will be officially presented at the RCDE Stadium next Tuesday. The club is also reportedly pursuing left-back Hartman from Burnley as a potential second signing.
LALIGA EA Sports // marcaAlex Calatrava Officially Leaves CD Castellon for Espanyol in Record Transfer
The departure of Álex Calatrava from CD Castellón is now official after RCD Espanyol activated his five-million-euro release clause. Calatrava, who wore the number 21 shirt, was a transformative figure for the club, contributing 20 goals and 19 assists across two seasons in the Segunda División. His influence extended beyond statistics; he was a leader on and off the pitch, carrying the team during difficult moments. His first season yielded six goals and 11 assists, while his second season saw him score 15 goals and provide eight assists, including a memorable hat-trick at La Rosaleda. The transfer is the largest in CD Castellón's history and symbolizes the club's growing model. Fans had hoped he would stay, but he will now play in La Liga with Espanyol.
Últimas NoticiasCastellón Faces D-Day: Record Sale of Alex Calatrava to Espanyol and Signing of Iñigo Córdoba
On July 2, 2026, CD Castellón is set for a historic day in the transfer market. Attacking midfielder Alex Calatrava (26) will leave for Espanyol via a €5 million release clause, becoming the club’s most expensive sale ever, surpassing the ~€2M received for Daijiro Chirino. Cala, who scored 21 goals and provided 19 assists in 75 games over two seasons, is a key offensive loss. To mitigate his departure, Castellón is accelerating the free-agent signing of experienced winger Iñigo Córdoba (29) from Burgos, who has 7 goals and 7 assists in 77 matches. The club retains a percentage of Cala’s future transfer rights. The operation strengthens Castellón's finances and allows for squad rebuilding while maintaining competitive levels in LaLiga Hypermotion.
Últimas NoticiasCD Castellón Faces Historic Day: Calatrava's Record Sale and Córdoba's Imminent Signing
On July 2, 2026, CD Castellón is set for a historic day in the transfer market. Attacking midfielder Álex Calatrava, a key player with 21 goals and 19 assists in 75 games, will leave for Espanyol after his €5 million release clause is triggered, making it the club's most expensive sale ever. Castellón retains a percentage of any future transfer fee. To offset his departure, the club is finalizing the signing of experienced winger Íñigo Córdoba, 29, as a free agent after his stint at Burgos. Córdoba, with seven goals and seven assists in 77 matches over two seasons, is expected to maintain the team's competitive level in LaLiga Hypermotion. The operation provides Castellón with significant financial resources and a strategic rebuild opportunity.
Últimas NoticiasEspanyol Director Monchi Confirms Negotiations for Castellón's Álex Calatrava
Espanyol's sporting director Monchi has publicly confirmed that the club is negotiating with CD Castellón to sign attacking midfielder Álex Calatrava this summer. In an interview with La Vanguardia, Monchi stated that the coaching staff and ownership are aligned on the move, believing Calatrava fits coach Manolo González's style. The 25-year-old Catalan player had an outstanding 2025/26 season, scoring 15 goals and providing 8 assists in 43 official matches, becoming one of the Second Division's most decisive players. A key factor in the negotiation is the player's release clause, which drops from €10 million to €5 million on July 1st due to Castellón's failure to achieve promotion to the First Division. If completed, the €5 million fee would make Calatrava the highest sale in Castellón's history, surpassing the €2 million paid by Almería for Daijiro Chirino last summer. Espanyol reportedly already has an agreement with the player and is working to avoid paying the full release clause. Calatrava would become the first major signing of the Monchi era at Espanyol.
Últimas NoticiasEspanyol secures Álex Calatrava as Monchi's first signing
Espanyol has finalized the signing of Álex Calatrava, marking the first acquisition of the summer transfer window and the first signing under new sporting director Monchi. The 26-year-old winger, who played for Castellón in the Segunda División, had an impressive season with 15 goals in 43 matches, narrowly missing promotion. Calatrava is described as a fast, decisive player in the final third, a profile Espanyol has long sought. His release clause drops to €5 million on July 1st, when the deal is expected to be completed. Manager Manolo González has admired the player for some time. The signing is part of a broader squad rebuild by Monchi to elevate Espanyol's performance.
LALIGA EA Sports // marcaEspanyol Signs Álex Calatrava as First Summer Transfer Under Monchi
RCD Espanyol has secured the signing of winger Álex Calatrava from Castellón, marking the first acquisition of the summer transfer window and the first signing under new sporting director Monchi. The 26-year-old, who had a standout season in Spain's Segunda División (Hypermotion League) with 15 goals in 43 appearances, will join next week after his release clause drops to €5 million on July 1. Calatrava is known for his speed, skill, and decisiveness in the final third. Espanyol manager Manolo González has long admired the player, and the move is part of a broader squad rebuild aimed at improving the team's level in La Liga after narrowly missing promotion with Castellón.
LALIGA EA Sports // marcaEspanyol Secures First Summer Signing: Alex Calatrava
Espanyol has confirmed its first signing of the summer transfer window, with Alex Calatrava set to join from Castellón. The move marks the first acquisition under new sporting director Monchi. Calatrava, a 26-year-old winger, had a standout season in the Segunda División (Liga Hypermotion), scoring 15 goals in 43 matches and narrowly missing promotion with Castellón. The transfer, long rumored, is expected to be completed next week for a fee of €5 million, which is the release clause amount effective from July 1. Calatrava is described as a fast, skillful, and decisive player in the final third, addressing a long-standing need for Espanyol. Manager Manolo González is reportedly a fan of the player, and the signing is seen as part of a broader squad rebuild under Monchi's leadership.
LALIGA EA Sports // marcaMonchi Enters Scene to Try to Take Calatrava from Castellón
Espanyol's sporting director Monchi has initiated negotiations to sign midfielder Álex Calatrava from Castellón. A preliminary agreement between the player and Espanyol is already in place. The Catalan club is seeking to avoid triggering Calatrava's €5 million release clause by proposing alternative formulas, including player swaps. Potential players offered include defender Miguel Rubio (with Espanyol possibly covering part of his salary), forward Marcos Fernández (only if economically favorable), and midfielder Javi Hernández (if he agrees to play in the Second Division). Castellón, chaired by Bob Voulgaris, must decide whether to accept a negotiated fee or insist on the full clause payment, which would delay the transfer until July 1, 2026. Espanyol aims to finalize the deal before that date.
Fútbol en AS.comCalatrava, the first Perico soap opera
Espanyol's sporting management, led by Monchi, is pursuing the signing of Catalan attacking midfielder Álex Calatrava from Castellón. The transfer is valued at 5 million euros, the amount of his release clause, which becomes active on July 1. Calatrava has agreed to join Espanyol, but negotiations may include a loan player to reduce the fee. The club faces financial constraints and squad overbooking (27 registrations), making exits necessary. Manolo González has long tracked Calatrava since his Badalona days. The signing is expected to be the first of the Monchi era, adding quality and goals to the attack.
FútbolAlex Calatrava Set to Become Monchi's First Signing at Espanyol
According to reports from La Grada, Alex Calatrava is poised to become the first signing under new general sports director Monchi at RCD Espanyol. Espanyol and Castellón are finalizing transfer details. Calatrava, a talented attacking midfielder, scored 15 goals and provided eight assists this season. Espanyol manager Manolo González has pursued Calatrava since his time at Badalona in 2020. Calatrava renewed his Castellón contract until 2029, but after Castellón failed to achieve promotion to La Liga, his release clause dropped from €10 million to €5 million, making the move viable. The player would return to his native Barcelona after spells at UE Costa Brava, Atlético Madrileño, and Castellón.
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