Alaves has made it clear that Adrián Pica and Nikola Maras will not join the preseason and are now listed for transfer. The decision arrives as the side sits 14th in La Liga with 43 points, 11 wins, 10 draws and 17 losses, and its latest outing was a 1‑2 defeat to Rayo Vallecano on May 23.

What has the club decided?

Deportivo Alavés omitted the two centre‑backs from the official roster that will start medical training. With Pica and Maras out, the club opens the door to potential offers and signals they are not part of Quique Sánchez Flores' plan for 2026/27. The move was announced via an official sporting department statement.

Why are Pica and Maras on the list?

Pica, who extended his contract to 2028 before being loaned to Mirandés, never secured a regular first‑team spot. Maras, also loaned out to the junior side last season, is again excluded from the project. Both still have active contracts, but the sporting hierarchy prefers to trim the squad before adding new signings.

What does this mean for the squad?

Alaves aims to cut wage costs and free up slots for arrivals that meet the coach’s demands. With 44 goals scored and 56 conceded, the side needs defensive reinforcement to improve its -12 goal difference. Losing two defenders could pave the way for academy prospects or external acquisitions.

What comes next?

The club has begun medicals with a broad player list, but without Pica or Maras. Management hopes to receive bids in the winter market and, if none materialise, may consider a loan or contract termination. Meanwhile, the team prepares for its next match, trying to snap a two‑game losing streak.

Alaves continues battling to climb out of the relegation zone, sitting 51 points behind leaders Barcelona, and every transfer‑window move will be decisive for its immediate future.