Tag Archives: Al Sadd

Santi Cazorla Returning to LaLiga for First Time in 24 Years with Real Oviedo Signing

Posted on by
Reply

Santi Cazorla isn’t ready to retire yet.

The 40-year-old Spanish futbolista will return to LaLiga next season after signing a new contract with Real Oviedo.

Santi CazorlaCazorla, whose previous deal expired this summer, has signed a one-year extension, the team has announced.

That means Cazorla will be part of the Real Oviedo squad as the club returns to Spain’s top division for the first time in 24 years.

The former Arsenal and Villarreal midfielder was a key part of the Real Oviedo team that secured promotion, scoring one of the goals to help his hometown club win their promotion playoff against Mirandes last month.

The former Spain international last played in LaLiga in 2020.

Cazorla spent seven years in Oviedo’s youth team but then left for Villarreal to start his professional career as Oviedo sunk deep into a financial crisis.

After three years in Qatar with Al Sadd, Cazorla returned to Real Oviedo in 2023.

In an illustrious career, Cazorla won 81 caps for Spain and was part of the squad that won back-to-back European Championships in 2008 and 2012.

Javi Gracia Named New Manager at Leeds United

Posted on by
Reply

Javi Gracia is ready to Leed…

The 52-year-old Spanish football manager and former player has been appointed by Leeds United as the team’s new manager, according to the club.

Javi GraciaGracia, the former boss at Watford, replaces Jesse Marsch, who was fired on February 6 following seven games without a win in the Premier League.

“Leeds United are delighted to announce the club have agreed terms with Javi Gracia to become men’s first team head coach, subject to obtaining a work permit,” a club statement read.

The club confirmed that the Spaniard has agreed to sign a “flexible contract.”

Leeds, who have since failed to win in three subsequent games under the caretaker charge of Michael Skubala, are now 19th in the table ahead of Saturday’s game against Southampton.

Gracia has been out of work since leaving Al Sadd last year. He has also managed Malaga, Rubin Kazan and Valencia.

During his time at Watford, he led them to the 2019 FA Cup final, which they lost 6-0 to Manchester City.

Carlos Corberan was linked with the position at Leeds before signing a new deal at West Bromwich Albion. The club also had interest in Rayo Vallecano‘s Andoni Iraola and ex-Ajax boss Alfred Schreuder.