UD Las Palmas has closed its squad for the 2026-2027 LaLiga Hypermotion season with a clear situation in defence. The team is left with only one specific left-back after two players in that position were sent out on loan, according to a report by Mundo Deportivo this week.
The departure of Víctor Villote to Gimnàstic de Tarragona and Cristian Gutiérrez to Cádiz CF has left Enrique Clemente as the only natural option for the left flank. The club, which sits seventh in the standings with 6 points from two wins and one loss, must face its upcoming fixtures with this defensive setup. The next match is against Leganes, third in the table, on September 4th at home.
Who will cover the left-back position?
Enrique Clemente regained his starting spot and played the full ninety minutes in the third league match against Girona. Before his return, Italian defender Giovanni Bonfanti took on the role in the first two games of the campaign. Clemente acknowledged his teammate's work, stating that Bonfanti performed in a "more than notable" way.
This season, UD Las Palmas has scored 6 goals but has also conceded 6, leaving a goal difference of zero. Defensive solidity will be key to maintaining their push near the top of the table, where they trail leaders Granada CF by just one point. Fans can follow the team's progress on our stats page.
How is the right-back position configured?
On the opposite flank, the manager has several alternatives. Marvin Park, Viti Rozada, and Valentín Pezzolesi are the three main candidates for the right-back spot. Park returned to his natural position after suffering an early muscle injury.
Interestingly, Pezzolesi even played as a left-back in the first match against Albacete, showing the versatility available within the squad. Competition for the place seems healthy, and the depth on this side contrasts with the situation on the left. To see the full team status, check our squad section.
What happened to the loaned players?
Víctor Villote, a 22-year-old left-back from Barcelona, joined Las Palmas Atlético this very summer. He was selected by Raúl de la Barrera for the pre-season camp in Marbella, but the club decided the best move for his development was a loan to Gimnàstic de Tarragona in Primera Federación Group 2.
Meanwhile, Cristian Gutiérrez begins a new chapter at Cádiz CF. These moves reflect the club's strategy of managing the development of its younger players while maintaining a competitive core for the first team. The recent form shows a win, a win, and a loss (LWW) from the last three matches.
Is the squad balanced?
Enrique Clemente, the starting left-back, has given his view on the squad after the transfer window closed. The player described the squad as "compensated" and "competitive". His assessment comes at an important time, just before a key fixture against Leganes.
With the market closed, the manager must work with the available resources. Being just one point off the top adds pressure but also excitement to the project. The team will look to take all three points in the next home game to continue climbing the standings. The match against Leganes takes place this Friday, September 4th, 2026.
