Mohamed El Assy: ‘When we sold Darwin we built a team that later achieved promotion’
The Club Managing Director talks about the summer transfer window and states that the transfer of Sadiq Umar has made it possible to sign new players
‘When we sold Darwin Núñez, the fans didn't want to, but we were able to build a team that later achieved promotion to the Primera Division,’ stated UD Almeria Managing Director Mohamed El Assy during the press conference he gave to talk about the recently completed summer transfer window.
When questioned about what Sadiq's absence could mean, the UD Almeria CEO explained ‘when we signed him, many people questioned him. Now with his transfer, in addition to allowing him to continue growing professionally, we’ve been able to sign new players, such as Gonzalo Melero, an experienced footballer in the top tier and youngsters Lázaro Vinicius and El Bilal Touré, whom we fully trust.’ Not forgetting others given the salary cap increase.
Mohamed El Assy indicated ‘we don’t sign for the sake of it; there’s a follow-up and some reports so that we can decide later. Over the years that we’ve been in Almería we’ve signed very young players who have been putting in great performances.’ On that note, he stressed ‘we’re happy and satisfied with the squad we have and what we ask our fans for is that they trust and be with us.’
The Managing Director, who did not understand why LaLiga did not compute advertising revenue for the salary cap, revealed ‘it’s been a really complicated transfer window until the last minute, and reflected ‘in these three years I reckon we’ve been a Club protagonist in the transfer markets for the transfers we make. We can be close to 70 million euros in sales.’
Mohamed El Assy covered different topics related to the Rojiblancos’ latest news. He said that the Sports City will be a reality throughout this season, at least in terms of training grounds; He commented that they are awaiting the reports and deadlines to undertake the second phase of the Stadium’s remodelling; the increase in capacity and that the objective now is to stay up in the Primera Division so as not to get relegated in the future, and over time build a team to make it to the Europa League.’
El Assy was more than pleased to have experienced players in the top flight, such as Pacheco, Melero, Embarga, Baptistao... and other young players with bright futures ahead that will allow the Club to boost income henceforward to continue growing.