Pre‑Season Kick‑Off at Real Mallorca
New Coach Luis Garcia Takes Charge
Luis Garcia was introduced to the local press on Tuesday. In his first speech he said, “The ball is rolling for the new season. We have to start playing football with passion, energy, desire and enthusiasm. It’s going to be a very demanding season and we must face this huge challenge together.” He also warned that the Segunda División is unpredictable: “Anyone can beat anyone. You don’t secure promotion in October or February – look at Malaga’s play‑off surge or Racing Santander’s three‑try league win.”
Squad Movements – Who’s Staying, Who’s Leaving
Departures and Potential Exits
More players have announced they will leave than those who want to stay and fight for a return to La Liga. The club is rebuilding around a core that wants to bring Mallorca back to the top flight.
New Arrivals – Adrian Fuentes and Arnau Puigmal
A fresh striker, 29‑year‑old Adrian Fuentes from Córdoba, has joined the squad. Shortly after, sporting director Pablo Ortells secured 25‑year‑old Arnau Puigmal on a free three‑year deal from Almería. Puigmal, who can operate as a full‑back or winger, came through Espanyol’s academy, spent time at Manchester United, and returned to Spain in 2021. He will report for duty after finishing his play‑off commitments with Almería.
Friendly Schedule
July 18 – B‑team clash
The first pre‑season friendly will be against Mallorca’s B side on July 18.
Marbella trip – July 24‑30
From July 24 the team heads to Marbella for two friendlies (dates yet to be confirmed) on the 25th and the 30th, before returning to Palma.
City of Palma Cup – August 5 vs PSG
On Wednesday, August 5 at 8 p.m. Mallorca will face Paris Saint‑Germain in the 48th edition of the traditional City of Palma cup. Most World Cup players from the Champions League winners will be on vacation, and former Mallorca star Kang‑in Lee is unlikely to appear as he nears a move to Atlético Madrid.
Transfer Talk – Loan Targets
Zito Luvumbo – Angolan striker eyeing return
Angolan forward Zito Luvumbo was spotted landing at Palma airport on Wednesday. He enjoyed a half‑season loan spell last year and remains a fan favourite for his speed and one‑on‑one ability. After a hamstring niggle cut his loan short, his parent club Cagliari is asking for a loan fee just under €500 k, with an option to buy for €4‑5 m if Mallorca gain promotion.
Aboubaka Soumahoro – French defender from Hamburg
Hamburg is set to loan 21‑year‑old French centre‑back Aboubaka Soumahoro. Standing 6 ft 2 in, he plays on the left side of defence, is a France U‑21 international, and carries a market value of around €1.2 m. (His name is a tongue‑twister after a few “hierbas mezcladas”!)
Season Ticket Campaign – Early Numbers
The controversial season‑ticket renewal drive has so far attracted 5,873 applications. The club hopes for a surge, though matching last season’s record of 23,060 seems far off. Many supporters say they will wait to see how the team performs in the Segunda División and who stays in the squad before committing.
World Cup Snippets – Quick Fun Facts
- Neymar broke down in tears after announcing his international retirement following Brazil’s 2‑1 loss to Norway, saying age has made his trademark dives harder to pull off.
- England’s World Cup hopes got a bizarre boost when Jordan Henderson picked up a booking and then fractured his wrist without even stepping onto the pitch.
- Former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon reportedly asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino to let Scotland re‑enter the tournament, offering a motorhome as an incentive – to no avail.
Conclusion
Real Mallorca is in a rebuilding phase under Luis Garcia, with a mix of fresh faces, loan possibilities, and a loyal fan base waiting to see if the project can push the club back to La Liga. The pre‑friendly schedule offers a first glimpse of the new tactics, while the upcoming PSG clash will be a high‑profile test. If the season‑ticket push can climb toward the 18 k mark, the island side may have the support needed to turn ambition into promotion.
Source
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