Fernando Calero
ESY
Signs with Malaga
Calero signed with Malaga for the 2026-27 season, with an option for an additional year, the club announced.
Analysis: Calero came through Malaga's academy for five seasons before making 66 appearances with the reserve side, and later returned to Real Valladolid where he helped the club earn promotion to La Liga in his first season with the first team. The center back went on to spend seven seasons with Espanyol, winning promotion to the top flight twice during that stretch. He arrives with more than 140 La Liga appearances to his name after his contract with Espanyol expired. Calero is expected to bring experience and stability to Malaga's backline under coach Juanfran Funes.
Suspension over
Calero has cleared his one-game ban after Wednesday's match against Athletic Club.
Analysis: Calero made five straight starts prior to his absence in the midweek clash, so he should have a good chance to return in Clemens Riedel's place going forward. The experienced defender is averaging 4.7 clearances and 1.0 interceptions per game this campaign, but he lacks offensive upside in his center-back role.
Set for suspension
Calero is suspended for one match due to yellow card accumulation.
Analysis: Calero suffered a fifth yellow card of the season Saturday and is now set for a ban, as the defender will miss the match against Athletic on Wednesday. He will then return to face Osasuna on May 17 with only one match to go after. He is a starter, so this will force a change, with Clemens Riedel as a likely replacement.
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