Girona could suffer a double blow following their relegation from La Liga, with the top flight’s side circling for their key players.
Eusebio Sacristan, who has since been fired, as unable to stem the tide as the Catalan side’s poor form dragged them deeper into danger, with rivals Celta Vigo and Villarreal heading in the opposition direction.
With their two-season stint in La Liga, Girona are now preparing for life in the Segunda Division. A task made harder by the lack of a first team manager, and the potential that their key players could also be on the way out.
Attacking pair Portu and Cristhian Stuani have been central for Girona in the past two seasons, with with 20 and 40 La Liga between them respectively as the team has punched well above their weight.
Stuani’s form attracted interest from FC Barcelona ahead of the 2018-19 campaign, however he opted to sign a new deal at the Estadio Montilivi, however relegation may encourage him to reconsider.
Age is the primary factor that will count against him, as at 32, he is only likely to be purchased as a squad option for one of La Liga’s big boys.
However he does guarantee goals, as 19 form a relegated side in 2018-19 proves, and that will be tempting for the likes of Valencia CF, Atletico Madrid and Sevilla who are all looking to boost their forward options.
Portu, 27, is likely to have more options on where to go this summer – even if he does not have the same numbers as Stuani.
Deployed as a partner for the Uruguayan international at times, and in a No.10 role, he presents a versatile option for interested sides – with Celta Vigo reported to be line the charge for him.
The Galician club have bid €8m for Portu, and Fran Escriba will want to get the deal done as quickly as possible, to avoid other sides entering into a bidding war.
High energy midfielder Pere Pons is another name attracted attention, with rivals sensing a fire sale in Catalonia, after the Spanish U21 international enjoyed a strong 2018-19 campaign, providing drive and goals from the centre of the park.
Big decisions will be made in the coming weeks, and whoever replaces Sacristan in the manager’s hot seat could face a real battle to secure promotion from the 46-game-a -season second tier.
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