Qualifying for their first ever Champions League campaign was undoubtedly a blessing for Girona, who will be mixing it with European football’s biggest and best next season. However, it also came with a blemish.
Girona are well-known for being one of the clubs in the City Football Group, and in recent seasons, they’ve managed to secure loan deals from other teams in the organisation. This includes Savio (from Troyes) and Yan Couto (from Manchester City) for their Champions League-qualifying campaign.
Man City have since signed Savio, and he won’t be leaving this summer. With Couto, Girona have a chance of getting him back, but now it’s practically impossible – Diario AS have reported that UEFA’s rules prevent any deals taking place between Girona and Man City this summer because they are both in next season’s Champions League.
Michel Sanchez had desperately hoped to re-sign Couto for next season, but it’s now only a dream. Girona must now look for a new right-back, as they currently only have Arnau Martinez as an option in the first team.