Deportivo Alaves concluded the summer transfer window without any signings or sales on September 1. The Basque club considered its business finished unless a sensational last-minute offer arrived, which did not materialise.
Manager Quique Sánchez Flores's side had decided weeks earlier not to bring in any new players unless a significant departure occurred. In the end, no player left Mendizorroza and no reinforcements arrived. The only summer additions for the Spanish coach were goalkeeper Antti Koski, defender Nahuel Valentini, and midfielders Mikel Rodríguez and Miguel Rodríguez.
Several Alaves players received proposals from other clubs but chose to stay. Midfielder Antonio Blanco attracted interest from Arab football clubs, with their offers rejected by the Vitoria-based entity. The player himself labelled that market as "secondary" and confirmed his continuity as team captain.
Youngsters Hugo Novoa and Selu Diallo also had options to leave. Novoa had potential suitors in Spain's second division, while Diallo turned down concrete offers from Austria's LASK Linz and Turkey's Kocaelispor. Both decided to "fight for a place" in the first team and retain the coach's confidence.
Quique Sánchez Flores will have a squad of 24 players, plus academy products Xanet Olaiz and Izei Hernández. The team aims to improve its performance after a season of consolidation in the top flight. Updated data on our squad page shows a balanced group blending experience and youth.
The defence is bolstered by the arrival of Valentini, a 27-year-old left-footed centre-back with extensive experience in Argentina. In midfield, the Rodríguez brothers, Mikel and Miguel, add dynamism and technical quality. Finnish goalkeeper Koski arrives to compete with Sivera for the starting spot.
Alaves now turns its full focus to the league campaign. Their next LaLiga EA Sports match is against Real Betis on September 13 at the Benito Villamarín schedule. The team currently sits 14th in the standings after the first two matchdays, with one point.
The September schedule is demanding, with games against sides from the upper part of the table. The continuity of key players like striker Samu Omorodion, who scored 9 goals last campaign, will be vital for this period. The team searches for its first win of the season in this trip to Seville.
