FC Magdeburg have announced the signing of central defender Anselmo García Mac Nulty, who arrives as a free agent after excelling at Eredivisie side PEC Zwolle. At 23 years old, the Spanish player of Irish origin signed a contract valid until the end of the 2028-29 season and returns to Germany, where he began his professional training.
Born in Seville, Anselmo graduated from Real Betis’ youth ranks before moving to VfL Wolfsburg in 2019. He didn’t make his debut for Wolves’ first team, but he gained experience in the Netherlands, where he played almost 100 games for Zwolle and established himself as one of the league’s most consistent defenders.
Return to Germany after four years
The central defender, who is 1.87m tall and plays on the left of the defense, returns to German football in search of protagonism. Despite proposals from clubs in England, Italy and Spain, Anselmo opted for the Magdeburg project, which competes in the 2. Bundesliga and aims to gain access to the elite. The German club’s board invested heavily in the player, offering conditions that weighed more than options in more traditional leagues.
At Zwolle, the defender became a reference in defense, contributing with important goals and demonstrating strength in the aerial game and passing the ball. His career includes playing for the youth teams of Ireland, the country of his mother, Maeve, which allows dual nationality. He has not yet debuted for the Irish senior team, but remains monitored.
What changes for Magdeburg
Anselmo’s arrival represents a high-level reinforcement for the team’s defense, which seeks to consolidate itself in the German second division and dreams of returning to the Bundesliga. With experience in demanding competitions and just 23 years old, the defender arrives to be an immediate starter and help with the offensive construction, taking advantage of his good technique. Magdeburg, with a stadium for more than 27 thousand fans, sees it as a pillar for the long-term project.
The player celebrated the opportunity to return to the country where he took his first steps in high-level European football, now with maturity acquired in the Netherlands.