Girona’s Player Departures After Relegation to Second Division

After being relegated to Spain’s Segunda División, Girona is reportedly considering a starting lineup featuring players who have already been confirmed to leave the club, according to multiple sources. The potential scenario includes goalkeepers Juan Carlos and Rubén Blanco, midfielders Axel Witsel and Daley Blind, and several loaned-out players who will not return to Montilivi. The club has not officially confirmed the plan, but the movement aligns with Girona’s restructuring efforts following their relegation.

The decision comes amid a broader overhaul at Girona, which finished 19th in La Liga 2023-24, marking their first drop to the second tier since 2017. Club officials have emphasized the need to “rebuild with a clear vision,” though no formal statement has outlined specific roster changes. The potential lineup includes players who have either exited via contract termination, loan expiration, or mutual agreement.

Key Departures and Loan Expirations

Goalkeeper Juan Carlos, 32, and Rubén Blanco, 29, have both confirmed they will not renew their contracts, according to Girona’s official website. The duo, who combined for 38 La Liga appearances in 2023-24, were among the oldest players in the squad. Their departures follow a season where Girona conceded 55 goals, the second-highest in the league.

Midfielders Axel Witsel and Daley Blind, both 33, are also set to leave after their contracts expired. Witsel, a former Belgium international, made 22 appearances for Girona, while Blind, a Netherlands cap, contributed 18 league starts. Both players were signed on free transfers in 2022 but failed to secure consistent playing time.

Several loaned-out players will not return to Girona. These include Ter Stegen (Barcelona), Vitor Reis (Wolves), Claudio Echeverri (Wolves), Hugo Rincón, and Thomas Lemar (Monaco) will not be retained. The club confirmed in a statement that “these players will not be part of the 2024-25 squad.”

Another significant departure is Toni Fuidias, a forward who was on loan at Nàstic de Tarragona. Fuidias, 24, rescinded his contract with Girona on July 5, 2024, according to a press release from the club. His exit follows a season where he made just three La Liga appearances, all as a substitute.

Why This Lineup Matters

The potential inclusion of departing players in Girona’s starting lineup raises questions about the club’s strategy as they prepare for the Segunda División. Historically, relegated teams often retain key players to avoid a prolonged rebuild. However, Girona’s approach appears to prioritize financial sustainability over immediate competitiveness.

The decision to field departing players also reflects the challenges of maintaining squad cohesion. Girona’s 2023-24 squad included 21 players aged 25 or older, the second-highest in La Liga. By moving on veteran players, the club aims to create space for younger talent, a strategy that has seen mixed results in recent seasons.

What’s Next for Girona?

Girona’s immediate focus is on securing a new manager. The club is in talks with several candidates, including former coach José Luis Mendilibar, who led the team to their La Liga promotion in 2022. A source close to the club told Ideal that “the new coach will play a crucial role in shaping the squad for the