ALMERÍA

08-09 LA LIGA STANDING: 11th

Almería has remained in Spain’s top flight since earning promotion for the first time ever in 2007. Almería finished four points above the relegation zone last season thanks in part to the hiring of Mexican international Hugo Sánchez at the beginning of 2009. Despite having the fourth lowest scoring offense and a poor record on the road last season (only 2 road wins), Sánchez managed to keep the Andalusia side in the Spanish first division.

The squad took a major blow with Negredo’s transfer to Real Madrid in the offseason. Negredo lead Almería with 19 goals last season and was the sixth highest scorer in La Liga along with Barcelona’s Thierry Henry. However, Almería signed Swedish striker Henok Goitom to try to fill the void left by Alvaro Negredo's departure. Goitom scored 10 goals last season while on loan with Valladolid. Keep an eye out for Colombian international Fabián Vargas. Vargas was very successful playing for Boca Juniors in Argentina and now he’s got a shot to prove that he can play in the Spanish Primera. Vargas was a steal for Almería since he was picked up as a free agent and can make their midfield stronger defensively. Avoiding relegation may be Almería’s biggest concern this season, but a mid-table performance wouldn’t be surprising either.

MARKET MOVEMENT

Players in: David Rodríguez (Celta), Cisma (Numancia), Natalio (Córdoba), Fabián Vargas (Boca Juniors), Goitom (Murcia), Bernardello (Newell’s Old Boys)

Players out: Mané (Getafe), Negredo (Real Madrid), Bruno (Valencia), Carlos García (Betis), Iriney (Betis), Juanito (Málaga), Natalio (Murcia)