José Salinas arrives at Málaga CF eager for Primera impact

On a bright Friday morning at La Rosaleda, José Salinas stepped onto the pitch in a blue‑white strip, smiling as he was introduced as the newest Málaga CF signing. “Vengo al Málaga CF con muchas ganas de demostrar lo que puedo hacer en Primera,” he declared, eyes fixed on the Primera División.

Salinas becomes the fourth blanquiazul acquisition of the summer, joining fellow signings Fernando Calero, Juan Cruz and Carlos Dotor in the club’s rebuilding drive.

The left‑back arrives on loan from Espanyol with an option to buy, after a season at the Catalan side where he “no disfrutó de la continuidad que esperaba”. He says the move offers the ideal platform to relaunch his career.

“Para eso estoy aquí. Quiero dar un paso al frente. Quiero demostrar lo que he demostrado en otras categorías y hacerlo en Primera División,” Salinas explained, adding that last year he lacked the continuity he desired.

He praised the warm reception, describing the Málaga dressing room as “una auténtica familia”. “La acogida ha sido espectacular… desde el primer entrenamiento me he sentido muy cómodo,” he said, noting the young group’s joy.

Salinas featured in his first minutes during the Thursday friendly against Al‑Ittihad, a match that ended 2‑2. “Era mi primer partido de pretemporada y me sentí muy cómodo. El estilo de juego se asemeja bastante a lo que venía haciendo hace dos años,” he remarked.

Before committing, he spoke with former teammate Roberto and also consulted Fernando Calero and Alfonso, all of whom gave him “cosas muy positivas” about the club and the city.

Describing his profile, Salinas said he is an offensive‑minded left‑back who also values defensive solidity. He highlighted his natural understanding with teammate Joaquín Muñoz during the Al‑Ittihad friendly, noting their complementary movements on the flank.

Salinas also praised head coach Juanfran Funes, saying the tactical model resembles the one he enjoyed under Eder Sarabia, which should speed his adaptation. “Con la llegada de Salinas, confío en que podamos cumplir los objetivos del club en su regreso a la máxima categoría,” he concluded, echoing the optimism of Borrego.