Girona Summer Transfer Window 2024 Analysis: Strategies, needs, areas for improvement and financial Capabilities
Girona had a sensational 2023-24 season as they put up a title challenge in La Liga. Having finished 10th in the 2022-23 season, they surprised everyone with a brilliant start to the season. They had some inconsistent moments but managed a brilliant level throughout.
The Blanquivermells eventually finished third in the table, 14 points behind champions Real Madrid and four behind Barcelona. As a result, they qualified for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in their history.
Girona beat Barcelona 4-2 twice in the season and also pulled off some excellent results, losing just seven times in 38 La Liga games. They also reached the Copa del Rey quarter-finals, where they were beaten 3-2 by eventual finalists Mallorca.
Manager Michel and many of the club’s players received huge praise. Hence, the difficulty for the club will now be to retain most of their players, amidst interest from clubs across Europe. Moreover, with Champions League football next season, they will need to add more quality and depth to deal with the rigors of competing in four competitions.
Transfer Strategy
Girona are another of those teams in La Liga who are more interested in making smart signings and looking for opportunities rather than splashing cash. They are linked to the City Group, who also have Manchester City under their umbrella, but their workings are quite different.
Since their promotion to the Spanish top flight in 2022, the Blanquivermells haven’t spent more than €40 million. They spent around a total of €22 million last summer on transfers like Artem Dobvyk, who won the Pichichi award last season. They brought in the likes of goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga and defender Daley Blind on free transfers.
They also brought in multiple players on loan like Savio and Eric Garcia, who played key roles in the 2023-24 campaign.
Areas for Improvement
Goalkeeping
Girona’s first-choice goalkeeper is Paulo Gazzaniga, with Juan Carlos and Toni Fuidias as backups. The Argentine performed well last season and they are likely to continue with him next season.
Defense
Eric Garcia is set to return to Barcelona following his loan spell at Girona while Yan Couto will return to Manchester City. Hence, they need some additions in defense this summer. They are reportedly interested in bringing both Garcia and Couto back to the club but they will still need signings for depth.
Midfield
Michel’s side have already lost Aleix Garcia to Bayer Leverkusen. The Spaniard was a key player for the club and they will need to find a suitable replacement. They will also look to add a quality attacking midfielder as they look to a big 2024-25 season.
Attack
One big miss in attack for Girona will be Savio, who has returned to Manchester City after his loan spell. Artem Dobvyk won the Golden Boot last season but had a tough Euro 2024 campaign. The Spanish club will look to add more competition for him and also add more versatile attackers, who can play across the front line.
Top Targets
Most of Girona’s transfer rumors so far have been based around re-signing the players who have left the club this summer after the end of their loan spell. One of them is Eric Garcia. The defender impressed last season and the Blanquivermells want to sign him permanently from Barcelona this summer. He is likely to cost around €30 million.
They could also make an attempt to re-sign Savio from Manchester City. They have also been linked with winger Cesar Huerta from UNAM Pumas. Winger Luciano Rodriguez and midfielder Aimar Oz are also on their list of targets.
More targets will also depend on potential exits, with the likes of Cristian Portu, Artem Dobvyk, and Miguel Gutierrez. If they leave, the club will need to find able replacements.
Financial Capabilities
As aforementioned, Girona only spent around €22 million last summer but that price is expected to go up. They sold Aleix Garcia for €18 million and are likely to gain more from future sales.
Moreover, finishing third in La Liga and qualifying for the Champions League also brings in funds, which they could utilise in the transfer market. However, the Catalan side are unlikely to be extravagant in their spending.
With the backing of the City Group, they might make one big signing but will likely look for more free transfers and loan deals with buy clauses.