Olympiacos, managed by former Sevilla player José Luis Mendilibar, has entered the race for Joaquín Martínez 'Oso', the left-back from Sevilla's youth academy, whose future is uncertain due to salary differences in his renewal.
The exit operation of Sevilla FC has a new significant player. The Greek Olympiacos, coached by former Nervionense manager José Luis Mendilibar, has formally requested information about Joaquín Martínez Gauna, 'Oso', the young left-back who has made a strong impact in the first team. According to sources from the Greek club, Mendilibar, a great connoisseur of Sevilla's youth system, wants to strengthen the left side of his defence with an offensively-minded and promising player.
A Renewal Stalled in Nervión
The sporting director of Sevilla, José Ignacio Navarro, has made the extension of Oso's contract an absolute priority. However, negotiations are progressing slowly due to salary discrepancies between both parties. The situation is reminiscent of that of central defender Andrés Castrín, also a youth product, whose future remains uncertain. The club is aware that losing both gems would necessitate significant investments in the market to fill their positions.
Sevilla values Oso at €20 million, a figure that matches his release clause. The club will not accept offers below that threshold, although the player could negotiate freely if he enters the final year of his contract without renewing. Therefore, the board prefers to make a salary effort now rather than risk a free exit in the future.
Several European Clubs on the Hunt for the Sevilla Full-Back
The interest in Oso is not new. Nottingham Forest already made an offer of six million euros, which was flatly rejected by Sevilla. Fiorentina is closely monitoring the situation and could reach 12 million, while Strasbourg and Real Sociedad are also keeping an eye on him. The Donostiarra team has even proposed a swap that would include Javi López, the left-back from txuri-urdin.
The emergence of Olympiacos adds a new front. Mendilibar, who previously tried to convince Adrià Pedrosa to leave Nervión, insists on a similar profile: a full-back with attacking capabilities and youth. The presence of the Basque coach, who is well-liked in Sevilla's youth system, could be a decisive factor in Oso's decision.
For Sevilla fans, this multiple bidding is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it increases the value of a youth player who has taken years to develop; on the other, if a renewal doesn't happen soon, the club could be forced to sell one of its biggest prospects. Time is running out, and in Nervión, they hope to close the deal before summer turns into a soap opera.
For now, Sevilla remains calm and trusts that Oso's desire to succeed at the club of his life will tip the scales. But with Mendilibar knocking at the door and offers increasing, the dilemma is set. The full-back, who debuted with the first team last season, has earned a place in the hearts of the fans and on the agendas of major European clubs.
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