CD Castellón begins preseason training with multiple new signings and captain departure

At approximately 9:00 AM today, CD Castellón's players will take to the pitch at La Coma Sports City for their first preseason training session, opening a new chapter just over a month after their promotion playoff semifinal defeat to Almería. Under the renewed leadership of coach Pablo Hernández, the squad's objective remains a return to the fight for promotion.

Squad Overview and Key Developments

Castellón arrives at the first day of training with significant summer work already underway, though several fronts remain open across all positions.

Goalkeeping

The main novelty in goal is the definitive promotion of Sergi Torner. The goalkeeper from l'Alcora, a regular starter in recent reserve team campaigns, has extended his contract with a first-team spot. This move, combined with Romain Matthys's consolidation as starter after an outstanding season, could open the door for Amir Abedzadeh to depart.

Defense

Castellón has executed the purchase option for Agustín Sienra, solidifying a defense full of familiar faces (from right to left: Mellot, Brignani, Alberto, Lucas Alcázar, Tincho). Departures include captain Salva Ruiz (end of contract) and Ismael Fadel (loan ended). New additions are Juanjo Nieto for the right flank and José Albert (returning from loan at Ibiza) for the left.

Midfield

Changes have been deeper in midfield, as has been typical in recent seasons. The forced departure of Beñat Gerenabarrena (returning to Athletic after loan) and the non-renewal of Ronaldo Pompeu leave Diego Barri and Marc-Olivier Doué as the only pieces from last season. A sustained return of Albert Lottin appears unlikely.

New additions in midfield include:

• Jari Vlak (ADO Den Haag) – a box-to-box midfielder named best player in the Dutch second division
• Álvaro Martín (Andorra) – a player with good footwork, capable of alternating between playmaking and attacking midfield
• Fran Castillo (Ibiza) – similar profile

Attack

The club faces one of its main challenges: compensating for the offensive production of Álex Calatrava (record transfer to Espanyol) and Brian Cipenga (did not renew). For now, Castellón has signed wingers:

• Iñigo Córdoba (Burgos) – one of the most sought-after free agents in the category
• Hamza Bellari (Eldense/Valencia Mestalla) – a bet on youth

World Cup player Awer Mabil is expected to join later. Continuing players include Raúl Sánchez, Israel Suero, Jakobsen, Pablo Santiago, and Douglas Aurélio. Serpeta has gone out on loan again, Mamadou Traoré has been released, and De Nipoti does not continue. No developments have been made in the forward line, with Ousmane Camara and Álvaro García remaining.

Reserve Team Call-Ups

Three Castellón B players have been called up for training:

• Iván Biarge (goalkeeper, signed from Terrassa)
• Iago Parente (defender, signed from Valladolid)
• Enric Gisbert (midfielder)

Preseason Schedule

The first week of training will culminate with a friendly at La Coma on Saturday (7:00 PM) against CE Sabadell.

Subsequent fixtures:

• Saturday, July 25 – Friendly at Valencia's sports city against the local team
• July 29 – Training camp at Royalverd facilities (Girona province) vs. Girona
• July 31 – vs. Deportivo Alavés
• August 7 – Friendly at Rico Pérez vs. Hércules
• August 8 – Friendly at La Coma vs. Levante

Coaching Staff Changes

New developments also affect the coaching staff led by Pablo Hernández. The departures of Rody Hoegee and Carlos Gómez leave at least two vacancies. Hoegee, a specialist in set pieces, left to return to his home country and work for Feyenoord after a successful campaign. Gómez, the goalkeeping coach, also departs after seven years at Castellón.

Source: El Periódico de Mediterráneo