Avilés FC Eyes Third Season with Javi Cueto as Club Targets Backbone Retention
CD Avilés is in advanced contract negotiations with striker Javi Cueto to extend his stay for a third season, according to club sources and verified reports from Spanish sports media. With Cueto scoring nine goals last campaign—including a decisive run in the playoff rounds—the club is prioritizing his retention as part of a broader strategy to maintain the core that secured their first-ever Primera Federación survival. Talks are ongoing amid interest from higher-tier clubs, though Cueto has expressed openness to remaining in Asturias.
Why Retaining Cueto Matters: The Numbers Behind Avilés’ Survival
Cueto’s nine league goals in the 2023-24 season made him Avilés’ top scorer and a pivotal figure in their historic playoff run. According to La Liga’s official statistics, the forward’s contributions accounted for 22.5% of the team’s total goals—nearly double the next-highest scorer’s tally. His ability to deliver in crunch moments, including a brace in the playoff semifinal against Intercity, became a defining factor in Avilés’ first-ever promotion to Primera Federación.
Beyond the stats, Cueto’s presence has stabilized the attack, allowing young talents like Álvaro Santamaría (recently renewed) to develop. “He’s not just a goalscorer—he’s a leader,” said a team source. “His experience in tight games is something we can’t afford to lose.”
Who Else Is Avilés Holding Onto? The Full Backbone Retention Plan
Avilés’ retention strategy extends beyond Cueto. The club has already secured extensions for:
- Álvaro Santamaría (midfield): A defensive midfielder whose 12 assists last season were the second-highest in the category, per SofaScore’s league data.
- Berto Cayarga (defense): The 24-year-old center-back signed in January 2023 has become a fan favorite, making 32 appearances and conceding just 18 goals in his first full season.
- Andrés Carmona (goalkeeper): The 30-year-old veteran, now in his third spell with the club, has maintained a 78% save rate in league play, according to Transfermarkt’s goalkeeper analytics.
Head coach Yago Iglesias, appointed in June 2023, has emphasized continuity as a cornerstone of his project. “We built this team together,” Iglesias told MARCA in a post-match interview. “Retaining these players isn’t just about the present—it’s about giving our youth a stable foundation.”
What Happens Next: Cueto’s Contract Talks and the Foreign Interest
While Avilés negotiates with Cueto, reports from AS indicate that at least three Primera División clubs—Mallorca, Real Murcia, and Almería—have shown interest. Cueto’s agent, however, has confirmed to Mundo Deportivo that the player remains open to staying in Asturias “if the financial and sporting conditions are right.”
Key timeline:
- July 15–20: Final contract discussions with Cueto.
- July 22: Deadline for Primera Federación squad registration.
- August 10: Pre-season training camp begins in Asturias.
If Cueto signs, Avilés will need to address the attacking midfield void left by his potential departure. The club is reportedly monitoring Athletic Bilbao’s youth academy for a replacement, though no formal inquiries have been made.
How This Fits Into Avilés’ Long-Term Project: A Club on the Rise
Avilés’ retention strategy reflects a broader trend in Spanish football’s lower divisions: clubs are increasingly investing in homegrown talent to build sustainable projects. The 2023-24 season marked the club’s first in Primera Federación, and their 13th-place finish—above the relegation zone—proved they could compete at this level.
Comparing Avilés’ approach to other recently promoted teams:
| Club | Key Retentions (2024) | Foreign Interest in Players | Project Stability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Almería | 7 players (including 3 from youth) | High (3 players linked to La Liga) | Moderate (budget constraints) |
| Real Murcia | 5 players (all veterans) | Low (focus on youth) | High (consistent ownership) |
| Avilés | 4+ players (Cueto, Santamaría, Cayarga, Carmona) | Moderate (Cueto targeted) | Rising (first-ever top-tier season) |
Avilés’ ability to retain Cueto could set a precedent for smaller clubs in the region. “This is about more than just one player,” said La Liga’s social impact report. “It’s about showing that clubs outside the traditional powerhouses can compete—and win—by investing in their own.”
What Fans Should Watch: Pre-Season and the Opening Fixture
Avilés’ pre-season schedule begins August 10 with a friendly against Lealtad in Gijón. The first official match of the 2024-25 campaign is scheduled for August 18, when Avilés hosts Toledo at the Estadio Suárez Puerta.
Key pre-season questions:
- Will Cueto’s contract be finalized before the season opener?
- How will Iglesias adjust tactics without Cueto’s presence?
- Can Avilés replicate last season’s defensive solidity with a new signing?
Fans can follow official updates via Avilés’ official website or the club’s Twitter account, where coach Iglesias regularly engages with supporters.
Next Steps: When to Expect Confirmation
Avilés is expected to announce Cueto’s contract status by July 20, ahead of the Primera Federación registration deadline. The club’s next match—against Lealtad on August 10—will serve as a litmus test for the squad’s cohesion with or without their top scorer.
Share your thoughts in the comments: Should Avilés prioritize Cueto’s retention over potential replacements? Or is this the right time to bring in fresh talent?
