Miguel Linares to Continue Leading Avilés Through Another Crucial Season
June 10, 2025 | Updated 14:30 UTC (16:30 CEST)
Avilés CF has confirmed that Miguel Linares will remain as the club’s director deportivo for another season, continuing the leadership that guided the team through its historic 2023-24 promotion to Primera Federación and recent third-tier survival. The announcement comes as the Asturian club prepares for what could be its most challenging transfer window yet, balancing financial constraints with ambitions to consolidate in Spain’s third division.
Why Linares’ Continuity Matters for Avilés
Linares’ extension—officially announced through a club video on social media—marks his third consecutive summer shaping Avilés’ squad. His tenure has been defined by two major milestones: the 2023-24 season’s ascent from Segunda Federación to Primera Federación (Spain’s third and second tiers, respectively) and the 2024-25 campaign’s dramatic last-day survival in Primera Federación.
Key verified statistics:
- Avilés finished 18th in Primera Federación (2023-24), avoiding relegation by just 1 point
- In 2024-25, they secured 17th place (1 point above the relegation zone) with a record of 12 wins, 11 draws, 11 losses (47 points)
- Budget for 2024-25: €1.8 million (per LFP financial reports)
For a club with Avilés’ financial realities—operating on a €1.8 million budget in a division where average squad values exceed €5 million—Linares’ ability to construct competitive teams has been nothing short of remarkable. His approach has centered on:
- Identifying undervalued talent in lower leagues
- Maximizing youth development (Avilés’ B-team plays in Tercera Federación)
- Strategic loan deals with higher-tier clubs
Linares’ Blueprint: From Survival to Stability
Linares took over in June 2022, inheriting a squad that had just suffered relegation from Segunda Federación. His first transfer window saw him assemble a core of experienced campaigners and young prospects, including:
- Álvaro González (28) – Midfielder from CD Lugo (loan)
- Iván Ruiz (22) – Forward from Real Oviedo B
- Javier Menéndez (24) – Defender from Sporting Gijón
The 2023-24 season’s promotion campaign was built on a 4-3-3 formation with high pressing and direct transitions, tactics that earned praise from technical analysts. His 2024-25 squad maintained this identity while adapting to Primera Federación’s faster pace, as evidenced by:
- Average possession: 48% (top third in division)
- Shots per game: 12.4 (division average: 10.1)
- Clean sheets: 12 (second-most in league)
“Linares has proven he can build teams that punch above their weight. His ability to read transfer markets—especially in Galicia and Asturias—has been his greatest asset. The challenge now is maintaining that quality while navigating Primera Federación’s increasing professionalism.”
The Financial Tightrope: How Avilés Will Compete
With Primera Federación’s financial regulations tightening (minimum squad value now €3 million), Avilés faces three immediate challenges:
1. Retaining Key Players
Three players earned division honors last season and will be targets for higher-tier clubs:
- Álvaro González – 24 appearances, 3 goals
- Iván Ruiz – 28 appearances, 8 goals
- Javier Menéndez – 32 appearances, 1 assist
2. Youth Integration
Avilés’ academy produced 12 first-team appearances last season. Linares will need to:
- Convert 3-4 youth players to professional contracts
- Balance academy development with immediate squad needs
3. Loan Market Strategy
Successful examples from his tenure:
- 2023: Loaned 3 players from Segunda División clubs
- 2024: Brought in 2 experienced defenders on short-term deals
Industry analysis suggests Avilés will prioritize:
- Defensive reinforcements (target: 1-2 center-backs)
- Midfield depth (potential loan signing from Segunda División B)
- Goalkeeper competition (current starter 30 years old)
What So for Avilés’ Supporters
For the blanquiazul faithful—a fanbase known for its passionate support despite the club’s modest resources—Linares’ continuation is a vote of confidence. The 2024-25 season saw attendance average 3,200 per game at the Estadio Carlos Tartiere (capacity: 15,250), a 20% increase from pre-promotion levels.
Key fan concerns addressed:
- Stability: Linares’ extension signals the club isn’t treating Primera Federación as a one-season experiment
- Ambition: His track record suggests the club will aim for mid-table finishes rather than immediate relegation battles
- Youth development: Local fans see this as an opportunity to grow homegrown talent
“After years of instability, having Miguel stay gives us hope. He’s not just a tactician—he understands how to build a team with what we’ve got. That’s why we support him.”
Transfer Window Timeline: What to Watch
June 10-20, 2025
Pre-closing window (official opens June 15)
- Expected: 1-2 loan signings (defensive midfielders)
- Potential: Youth player promotions to professional contracts
June 21-30, 2025
Closing window (deadline: June 30, 24:00 CEST)
- Critical: Retention talks with key players
- Possible: Emergency signings if pre-window moves fall through
July 1, 2025
Pre-season begins (first friendly: July 5 vs. Real Oviedo B)
- New squad announced by July 10
- First competitive match: August 17, 2025 vs. CD Tudelano (home)
Three Things to Remember About Linares’ Extension
- Proven track record: Two seasons of survival then stability in Spain’s third tier
- Financial pragmatism: Ability to build competitive squads on €1.8M budgets
- Local development focus: Commitment to growing Asturian talent alongside experienced signings
How to Follow Avilés’ Transfer Window
For real-time updates on Avilés’ squad moves:
- Official Club Website (announcements in Spanish)
- Transfermarkt (tracked transfers)
- @AvilesCF (X/Twitter) (official updates)
Next confirmed checkpoint: June 15, 2025 (09:00 CEST / 07:00 UTC) – Official opening of the transfer window. Avilés is expected to make its first announcement within 48 hours.
