Getafe CF officially presented their two new signings for the season on Thursday: Serbian midfielder Nemanja Gudelj and striker Iván Azón, who arrives on loan from Italian side Como. The presentation event took place at the club's facilities, where both players expressed their excitement about wearing the blue shirt. The news was first reported by the newspaper Marca.
José Bordalás's team is looking for a boost after a tough start to the league campaign, currently sitting in 14th place with 3 points from one win and two losses in their first three matches. With only one goal scored and four conceded, the need for attacking contribution and solidity is clear, especially ahead of the next home game against Celta Vigo, scheduled for September 7th. The squad is also managing several significant absences, including Abdel Abqar, Andrés García, Christantus Uche, Juanmi, and Mario Martín, making these new additions even more valuable.
What do Gudelj and Azón bring to Getafe?
Nemanja Gudelj arrives with extensive experience in Europe's top leagues. The Serbian player highlighted the stability and unity of the project as one of the reasons for choosing Getafe. "I decided because it's a big club, it has been playing in LaLiga for many years, a very stable, very united club, it caught my attention a lot, especially the quality of the group, the coach, all that together made me very interested and come here to help this beautiful project," stated Gudelj during his presentation.
Meanwhile, Iván Azón arrives with the mission to add goals. The forward, known by the nickname 'Tiburón' (Shark) since his time at Zaragoza, expressed his enthusiasm about making his debut in the top tier of Spanish football. Azón highlighted the family-like atmosphere of the Getafe dressing room as a key factor for his adaptation. His loan from Como responds to a prolonged interest from the club, as acknowledged by coach José Bordalás himself.
How do they fit into Bordalás's system?
The arrival of both footballers offers Bordalás new tactical options. Gudelj, with his physique and experience, can operate as a defensive pivot or central midfielder, adding veteran presence and grit in the engine room. His knowledge of La Liga, after years of facing Getafe, is an advantage. "I've been playing in Europe for quite a few years, I have experience." added the Serbian.
Azón brings speed, dribbling, and goalscoring ability to a forward line that needs more accuracy. His aggressive and direct style fits the team's playing philosophy. The blue-and-white manager trusts that his youth and hunger for success will infect the squad. Fans can follow the progress of the entire squad on our dedicated squad page.
What context does the team find itself in?
Getafe faces a delicate moment in the competition, finding themselves six points behind leaders Barcelona. The immediate schedule, with a home game against Celta, is an opportunity to correct their course and for the new signings to potentially debut with a victory. The importance of getting three points is most important to move away from the lower positions in the standings.
The presentation of Gudelj and Azón closes, for now, the transfer market for the blue-and-white club. Both players are already available for the manager for this weekend's match, a direct duel against another team also searching for stability. The game against Celta Vigo will be played on Monday, September 7th, at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez.
