Sporting Gijón to sign free agent Nikita Iosifov and Uruguayan striker Andrés Ferrari

By: J. R. Rodríguez, Correspondent Reporter, Gijón

Sporting's executive president, José Riestra, announced during the press conference presenting head coach Nicolás Larcamón that two reinforcements are expected to arrive in Gijón in the coming hours to strengthen the red-and-white attack.

Uruguayan striker Andrés Ferrari was confirmed as one of the new additions. The identity of the second signing has now been revealed: Russian winger Nikita Iosifov.

Defensive Reinforcements Completed

Sporting had initially focused on strengthening the squad from the back, securing:

• Goalkeeper Arana
• Defenders Jorge Sáenz, Gularte, and Duñabeitia

The sports management has now shifted attention to the forward line, which was short of players. Ferrari and Iosifov are expected to fill those attacking positions. No major developments are anticipated this Sunday, but the week could begin with both players taking center stage.

Who Is Nikita Iosifov?

While Andrés Ferrari is already familiar to Sporting fans, Nikita Iosifov is less well known. However, the 25-year-old winger has extensive experience in Spanish football, having played in the Second Division with Villarreal B and Mirandés, as well as for Castellón in the Primera RFEF.

Career Highlights

• La Liga Debut: January 2022, against Mallorca at the Estadio de La Cerámica, though he only played the final minutes under Unai Emery.
• Copa del Rey: Played in a match against Victoria from A Coruña at Riazor, scoring a goal in a 0-8 victory.
• Villarreal B (2021–2023): Helped the reserve team achieve promotion to the Second Division. Played 13 matches in the silver category.
• Mirandés (2023–2024): Spent half of the 2023–2024 campaign. Faced Sporting at El Molinón, starting the match before being substituted after 54 minutes in a 3-0 loss.
• Castellón (January 2024): Joined the Primera RFEF side and contributed to their promotion.

Recent Career

In the summer of 2024, Iosifov signed for NK Celje of the Slovenian league, where he spent the last two seasons. During this period, he participated in 15 Conference League matches, scoring three goals. A winger by position, he has 11 career goals to his name.

Iosifov has become a free agent after his two campaigns in Slovenia and will arrive in Gijón at no cost.

What's Next

Head coach Nicolás Larcamón is confident of having both additions available this same week. Next Saturday, the team will play its first preparation match in Luanco against Marino. The fixture has been named the first Trofeo Manuel Vega-Arango Alvaré, a tribute organized by the Luanco club, chaired by Luis Gallego.

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