The New Era!

With 14 games of the season gone the Espanyol board released a statement in regard to a meeting discussing their future. Currently on a 4 game losing streak, the side are struggling majorly and the need for change was recognised. With the reality of this seasons expectations dawning the board turned their attention to the future. At the start of December Earle was issued a new team layout to be implemented by next season.

Earle was given the following squad requirements;
– 40% of the 50 man squad must be Spanish
– The club must select a Spanish Captain
– 40% of the 50 man squad must qualify for the youth team
– The club must enter the youth cup next season

With these restrictions in place Earle has already set about making changes to the squad. Roberto Torres was signed from fellow Spaniards Osasuna for £2.7 million. Earle has said that he expects the midfielder to develop this season and may look to keep the 27 year old for the long term if he impresses. Youth signings Roberto Nunez, Miguel Garci and Javier Bicho all joined for a combined fee of over £3 million. The three Spaniards are expected to be long term development members of the squad with Earle stating that all thee have the potential to be world class. Yuri Berchiche signed a 3 year contract with the club after joining from Levante. Fans have long requested the club to move for the 26 year old who should look to take up a starting role at left back once he has proved himself in training. Earles 6th Spanish signing of December came in the form of keeper Jose Antonio Caro. The free agent signed a 4 year contract and will hope he can develop into a 1st team player in that time. The likes of Gerard Moreno, Sergi Enrich and Dani Garcia were all targets for Earle but all had offers rejected for them. 30 year old keeper Sergio Alvarez is now believed to be at the top of Earles shortlist with Celta Vigo having received a bid earlier tonight.

The first team now needs to be trimmed by 11 players by the start of next season. With this in mind we have made a list of 5 players who surely wont leave and 5 who surely will.

5 Players Who We Think Are Safe.
1) Nathan Redmond – This ones obvious. At just 22 years old the attacker has time on his side, Earle picked up the youngster early in his Espanyol career and clearly has faith in him by stating he is the future of the club. Redmond has made 54 appearances in his 3 seasons in Spain contributing 8 goals and 7 assists.
2) Benjamin Moukandjo – Last seasons player of the season has been just about the only thing fans are happy about this season. He is currently the clubs top scorer despite being used on the wing. The Cameroon international was Earles record signing when he joined last season and has repaid the club with 17 goals and 12 assists in his 49 games.
3) Ricky Alvarez – Midway through his 2nd full season in Spain the Argentine is still yet to pick up last seasons form. An average rating of 7.08 last season is yet to be replicated so far, however, the Argentine did suffer an injury early on and may look to improve now he’s found his feet.
4) Guido Carrillo – Still yet to make a major impact in Spain is 25 year old Carrillo. He has been used 3 times off the bench but is yet to start. Earle said upon signing him “He is a long term prospect, but keep an eye out for him this season cos he’s always gonna be an option for us”.
5) Jony Rodriguez – Another who is yet to cement his position is Rodriguez. Recently speculation has been afloat about his future but given the new squad specifications we believe he will stay. The winger has made 8 starts in 3 seasons but has also been used as a sub at left back.

5 Players We Think Aren’t Safe.
1) Willy Caballero – With the young Jose Antonio Caro joining and interest in several other keepers it looks as though Earle is ready to offload the 35 year old. Caballero held down the number 1 spot last season and has carried on this season, however, his performances have left a lot to be desired and fans are calling for him to leave.
2) Mathieu Flamini – When he joined the club many believed he would make a major impact, but this wasn’t so. He has made just 2 league appearances since arriving and has been struggling for a spot on the bench due to the loan signings of Koziello and Gerhardt,