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Real Murcia CF winter signings: Can the team push for promotion?
Some tactical signings could mean a world of different for the Murcia club, even if promotion is still a long way off
It has been a productive start to the 2024-25 season for Real Murcia CF, but their goal of promotion is still far from being achieved.
Promotion to the second tier in Spain can only be assured by finishing top of the standings in the league, but they could yet drop into the dreaded playoffs, which would mean a long and challenging route back into the Segunda Division.
Murcia will be aware that they have a job on their hands to gain automatic promotion this season, as a playoff finish looks likely at this stage for the team that plays at Enrique Roca Stadium.
However, the club have looked to change their fortunes by bringing in some new additions in the winter transfer window. But, who are the stars that have been brought in, and what could they add to the team in the second half of the season?
Luiz Henrique
Luiz Henrique was one of the most exciting signings made by Murcia in the winter window, but he is an addition that is mainly with an eye on the future.
The Brazilian U20 international has only played 30 matches during his time with Sao Paulo, and featured predominantly in the team’s youth set up. However, he has proven that he has a knack for creating chances, registering seven goal involvements across matches in the Copinha and CBF Brasileiro U20s.
He is unlikely to be thrust into first-team action immediately, but he could offer the X-factor that could prove crucial as the season progresses.
David Álvarez
An experienced player in the lower leagues that could prove to be an inspired signing comes in the form of David Álvarez, who has joined on loan from Deportivo La Coruna.
The 30-year-old has enjoyed his best playing seasons in the lower tiers, scoring a career-best 30 goals in the 2019-20 season during his stint with Langreo. Another successful season followed in 2020-21, as he helped Ibiza gain promotion to the second tier.
Álvarez has enjoyed stints away from Spain since that success, scoring nine goals and recording three assists during a stint in Poland with Wisla Plock.
However, he moved back to Spain after signing for Deportivo on a permanent deal in 2024. He was used in the Depor to gain promotion to the second tier last season, so he knows a thing or two about what it takes to get promotions.
David Bosilj
Another attacking option that has joined the ranks on loan during the winter window is Slovenian striker David Bosilj. The 23-year-old came through the youth ranks at Hellas Verona, one of the top soccer teams in Italy, before making his big breakthrough back in his home country after playing for Bravo on loan in 2022-23.
During that stint, the striker scored twice in 27 appearances. Another loan spell would follow in 2023-24 after signing for De Graafschap. Bosilj scored on his debut for the team against Jong Ajax, but the Dutch side didn’t make an official move for the striker.
Instead, he signed a permanent deal with second tier Castellón. It was a frustrating first half to the season for the striker, as he scored just once in ten appearances, and was used sparingly by the coach.
A loan move to Murcia could help refresh his career, and if gaining confidence, he could be an essential player in the push for promotion in the second half of the season.
Ian Forns
As well as adding attacking options in the winter window, Murcia have also strengthened their options in the back-line after signing Ian Forns on a loan deal from Espanyol. The left-back came through the youth setup at the Spanish club, and made his senior debut with the reserve team back in December 2022.
He also has an eye for goal, which was evident after netting in the B’s winner in the second tier against SD Formentera in December 2022. Forns has also enjoyed minutes with the senior team this season after featuring in the Copa del Rey loss against Getafe in January 2024.
Forns was initially loaned to Burgos for the 2024-25 season, but his spell was cut short after being overlooked by the coach. He clearly has excellent defensive and attacking traits, meaning his skills could be utilised by Murcia in their promotion push.
Added attacking threat could play a key role
Murcia’s main business in the winter window has shaped around bringing in attacking players.
That is hardly surprising given that they rank among the lowest scorers in the division after netting just 25 goals in 22 matches. The addition of proven scorers in the third tier of football in Spain could be crucial to their chances of gaining promotion this season, and could help them cut away at the four-point difference between the top two sides.
At worst, it will help them consolidate their position in the playoffs, which they would be among the front-runners to win based on their consistent form this season.
