Hartman faces Romero’s legacy at Espanyol: Zie the positive outlook

Hartman arrives at Espanyol on loan while Carlos Romero heads back to Villareal, setting up a direct contrast between the Dutch wing‑back’s fresh start and the Spanish left‑back’s farewell. The Mundo Deportivo headline even urges Hartman to "doen vergeten" Romero, and Hartman himself says "Zie" the situation as positive.

The Nederlander was relegated with Burnley from the Premier League last season and now swaps English football for a spell in Spanje. His move to the Catalan side comes after a loan agreement was sealed in January, and he will replace the departing Romero in the Espanyol back line.

Espanyol, the club from Barcelona, finished eleventh in the Spanish competition last campaign. The Spaanse left‑back Romero was described by Mundo Deportivo as "ongetwijfeld de beste speler van afgelopen seizoen" for the Catalaanse club, underscoring the big shoes Hartman must fill.

Hartman remains unfazed, stating, "Het geeft me meer zelfvertrouwen. Ze wilden een speler die zijn niveau kon benaderen, en ik probeer het vanuit dat perspectief te bekijken. Ik zie het als iets positiefs." He stresses confidence rather than pressure as he prepares for his new role.

During his presentation Hartman revealed that the deal was concluded in January and that Alan Pace, the owner of both Burnley and Espanyol, had already invited him for a winter visit. "De overeenkomst werd in januari gesloten en vanaf dat moment was mijn aandacht volledig op Burnley gericht," he explained.

The juxtaposition of Hartman’s optimism with the legacy left by Romero highlights the challenge ahead: Espanyol expects the Dutch defender to match the standards set by the departing Spanish star, while Hartman views the task as an opportunity to grow.