Sevilla FC has gone from having 17 foreign players last season to just 7 this season, in a process of Spanishisation driven by new coach Luis García.
Sevilla FC has embarked on a radical shift in its signing policy. From being a team predominantly composed of foreign players, something akin to the UN, it has now prioritised national talent. This season, the Nervion club has reduced the number of foreign footballers in its first team from 17 to 7, a change that reflects the philosophy of the new coach, Luis García.
The coach, who has replaced Argentine Matías Almeyda, has made it clear that he wants players who know the league and the club, rather than experiments from abroad. Last season, Sevilla's bench was occupied by Almeyda, whose assistants could not sit in the stands due to lacking the required qualifications. Now, with Luis García, everything is in order.
This summer's signings reflect this trend. Julio Díaz, Guridi, and Juan Iglesias are the three national reinforcements, while the only foreign players brought in have been Vlachodimos, who already knew the league, and Sangante, a debutant. In the current squad, the foreigners are Vlachodimos, Sangante, Marcao, Suazo, Agoumé, Sow, and Vargas. Discards like Cardoso, Gattoni, and Ejuke have been left out, as they have been sought for exits.
The objective for Sevilla this season is to secure their place in the league, aiming to achieve it with less suffering than in previous years. To this end, the arrival of players with experience in the Spanish competition is prioritised, who can provide solidity and knowledge of the championship. Furthermore, the focus is on developing talent from the youth academy, training young players who can generate future profits, rather than betting on exotic signings.
Fran González, another national player, is next to arrive, according to the club's forecasts. With him, the squad will continue to increase its quota of Spanish players. In Nervión, the days of the UN are long gone.
This change in direction not only affects the first team but also marks a new era in Sevilla's sports planning. The focus on national players aims for greater cohesion and adaptation to the playing style, as well as a reduction in risks associated with signings. For Sevilla fans, this strategy could translate into a more competitive team with a clearer identity.
The transfer market has not yet closed, and it is possible that the list of foreigners may increase slightly, but Luis García's message is clear: the priority is players who know the league and Sevilla. The club is confident that this bet on Spanishisation will bear fruit in the short term, with a more solid team and fewer uncertainties.
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