Nikola Maras

Returns to Alaves from loan

Maras has returned to Alaves after his loan spell at Mirandes concluded.

Analysis: Maras joined Mirandes in January on loan after failing to break into the Alaves squad, adding to a well traveled career in Segunda Division that has already included loan spells at Levante and Sporting Gijon since arriving in Vitoria. He struggled to nail down a regular starting role even at Mirandes, who themselves were relegated to Primera Federacion at the end of the season, so he returns to Alaves without having fully answered the questions about his level. At 30, with his high salary long cited as an obstacle to a permanent exit, Maras is grouped with Moussa Diarra and Mariano Diaz as players who remain under contract but do not figure into Sanchez Flores's plans for next season. Alaves are looking to move all three on this summer to clear space and salary room for incoming signings, though Maras's situation historically has been complicated by a lack of takers at his current wage level. Barring a fresh suitor emerging, another season on the fringes or a lower-value exit looks like the most probable outcome.