Espanyol intensifies its planning for the 2026/27 season and already has Diego Rico in its sights to reinforce the left side. The 33-year-old Spanish defender ends his contract with Getafe at the end of June and arrives as a free agent, which makes him an attractive opportunity in the current market, where costs for reliable full-backs remain high.
According to journalist Ángel García, the Perico club is not alone in the dispute. Alavés and Elche also monitor the player’s situation, which could generate a small internal competition in LaLiga for a profile with proven performance.
Consolidated trajectory at a high level
Diego Rico Salguero, born in Burgos, built a solid career playing for Zaragoza, Leganés, Bournemouth (where he played in the Premier League), Real Sociedad and, more recently, Getafe. There are almost 200 appearances in the elite of Spanish football, in addition to international experience that makes him a known name for offering defensive consistency, good crossing and the ability to withstand high-intensity games.
At Getafe, he recently had a contract until 2026, but the club chose not to renew, making room for the full-back to seek a new destination. His age does not make him a long-term bet, but rather an immediate solution for teams that need squad depth without compromising their budget with high transfer fees.
What the interest reveals about the Espanyol project
Monchi’s arrival as Espanyol’s sporting director signals a more structured reformulation of the team, which had to work hard to guarantee its stay in LaLiga. Reinforcing the left side gains priority after the departure of Carlos Romero, who returned to Villarreal. A player like Diego Rico can bring experience, leadership and quality minutes from the start of the pre-season.
The Catalan club seeks to balance the squad with profiles that combine cost-benefit and ready performance. For coach Manolo González, having a left-back accustomed to the demands of the Primera División would help increase internal competitiveness and provide tactical options, especially in a calendar that may include more commitments if the team evolves.
Competition and operation challenges
Although he arrives free of charge, negotiating for Diego Rico will not be simple. Salary, signing bonus, contract length and role within the project will be decisive. Clubs like Alavés, which operates with a physically demanding system, and Elche, in a phase of consolidation in the elite, see the Spaniard as a way to add quality without major financial risks.