The press room at the stadium hosted the traditional post-transfer window evaluation at midday on Wednesday following the conclusion of the winter transfer market. Cádiz CF’s sporting coordinator, Juanjo Lorenzo, and the club’s technical secretary, Juan Cala, answered questions from the media.
Squad Composition
Lorenzo emphasized that Cádiz CF has a 25-player squad for the remainder of the season, stating:
"It is more than enough to continue growing, just as we have in recent matches. The market is always influenced by the team’s weekly performances, and while there were some sportingly and financially viable options, we felt they would not significantly improve what we already have."
Manager's Influence on Transfers
Regarding the new head coach, Lorenzo explained:
"When Gaizka arrived, he asked for time to assess the squad internally. Before the market opened, he indicated that his priority positions to strengthen were left-back and center-back. However, some players have stepped up, and Gaizka also made it clear that he is not in favor of signing players just for the sake of it."
Young Players & Academy Development
Speaking about youth development, Lorenzo highlighted:
"De la Rosa is a player who is already a reality and can become an important figure for the team in the near future. If we bring in a young player from the market, we might block the path for our own talents who are already progressing."
He also pointed out the club’s academy philosophy, stating:
"In our Juvenil A, we are playing with five first-year players as starters. In Balón de Cádiz, there are eight juveniles in the squad, and in Mirandilla, three juveniles started against UCAM. We understand that this approach may lead to short-term struggles in the standings, but we believe in the long-term benefits."
Departures & Loan Deals
Regarding outgoing transfers, Lorenzo clarified:
"Kouamé's loan deal includes a purchase option at the end of the season, which in his case is December. As for Iván Alejo, he will not play for Cádiz again, as per the agreement with APOEL."
He also explained how De la Rosa’s emergence influenced the club’s transfer decisions:
"When Iván left, we initially searched for a replacement, but we realized that De la Rosa could fill that role. Instead of signing a new player, we chose to give him the opportunity to develop within the squad. Our responsibility is to monitor the market, but we also need to evaluate our own players' potential in both the short and long term. If De la Rosa gains experience with 20+ games in the second division, he could become more valuable than an external signing."
Luismi Cruz & Other Transfer Rumors
Addressing rumors about Luismi Cruz, Lorenzo explained:
"At the beginning of the window, Tenerife seemed open to negotiating, but in the end, the situation did not materialize. If he had been available, he would have been attractive to several clubs. The market always presents opportunities, but we must assess them based on the club’s structure and squad composition."
Season Objectives & Fan Expectations
Lorenzo acknowledged the shift in the club’s season ambitions:
"Avoiding relegation was not our original objective, but unfortunately, it has become our top priority. Staying as far away from the relegation zone as possible is crucial. Hopefully, in a few weeks, we will be closer to the playoff spots than the bottom of the table."
He also addressed the fans’ expectations, stating:
"The supporters are already doing so much for the team. Against Mirandés, their support in the second half was crucial. We all want a better second half of the season. I understand that the fans always want more, and they should be demanding. We are a recently relegated team with a clear long-term plan, and we will continue building in future transfer windows. If a free agent becomes available who could genuinely improve the squad, we would consider signing them."
Juan Cala's Insights & Academy Policy
The club’s technical secretary, Juan Cala, also spoke at the event, stating:
"The team’s transformation is evident. Almost every player has improved—technically, physically, and mentally. We must remain calm and maintain perspective. The players’ progress gives us confidence, and by focusing on each game, the team is growing significantly."
He highlighted De la Rosa’s development, affirming:
"Under Gaizka, De la Rosa has stepped up. The sporting management fully believes in him, as he has all the qualities to be a key player for Cádiz now and in the future."
Youth Development Strategy
Cala elaborated on Cádiz’s youth policy, stating:
*"For the last three years, the club has implemented a structured academy progression. We aim to accelerate player development by having first-year juveniles compete against older players.
If a player excels at the Juvenil level, they move to Balón de Cádiz. If they continue to improve, they progress to Mirandilla. At Mirandilla, we assess three options:
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Direct promotion to the first team (like Moussa)—this is the ideal goal.
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Loaning to another club if they need more experience before joining the first team (Borja, De la Rosa).
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Selling or loaning players who develop at a slower pace."*
He also explained why Cádiz collaborates with clubs like Sanluqueño, Algeciras, and Recreativo:
*"For logistical, scouting, and medical reasons, we place players in nearby clubs. Many top teams follow this model—Athletic Club, Real Sociedad with Mirandés—and it is a logical and proven approach.
Currently, De la Rosa and Paquito are two players in the first team who have followed this academy pathway."*
Confidence in Gaizka Garitano
Finally, Cala expressed his satisfaction with Gaizka Garitano’s work:
*"We are thrilled with how Gaizka is revitalizing players, integrating those who had fewer opportunities, and fostering a strong work ethic.
That team environment has been key to our growth, and in the long run, it is more important than simply signing players.
We have 25 players in the squad, and I am very pleased with our winter transfer window, as we accomplished the most challenging task: managing outgoing transfers."