The days go by and the term gets shorter. September 1st is approaching at midnight and Girona is trying to close the remaining open fronts. From the start, a pivot had to be found for Oriol Romeu and an attacker who could play both as a striker and a winger. However, the situation has taken a radical turn after the more than possible departure of Santi Bueno was announced.
The Uruguayan centre-back, 24 years old, has an offer from Wolverhampton Wanderers of the Premier League which Girona sees very positively because it would allow them to breathe economically and be able to face the rest of the operations they need with guarantees. With a contract until 2026, after an extension in January, and a €25m clause, Bueno’s transfer to England would leave a tidy sum in Montilivi’s coffers. The deal is so on course that it would be a surprise if it doesn’t close before midnight on Friday.
This situation Draws the last three most distracted market days in MontilivYo The table in Quique Cárcel’s office is suddenly full of files that need to be solved. The freshest, and which only became public yesterday, is that of Santi Bueno. The Uruguayan defender is one of the club’s most important assets and had a remarkable year in the top division’s first division last season. The Uruguayan’s performance and potential has had a number of teams knocking on the door this summer.
Bueno’s departure means the loss of a major asset for Girona. But the wolves’ offer is more than tempting. In fact, it is a sweet tooth for both Girona and the footballer. The two clubs yesterday negotiated the details of an operation that will not reach the €25m clause. Still, it would be a historic move for the Rojiblanco team. In fact, the largest amount in its history, exceeding the 10 million Real Sociedad pledged for Portu in the summer of 2019.
Well, it won’t be the only way out
Santi Bueno won’t be the only centre-back to leave Girona before Friday. Alexander Callens has been on the exit ramp for days – He has no assigned number in the league – and the club are looking for a target for him. Currently, they assure from Peru that Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ettifaq has shown interest in signing the defender.
Callens came to Montilivi from New York City at the last free winter market, but He only played six times last season – no start game –. This year he was out of action for the first few days due to an injury in the last pre-season game against Andorra.
