Alvaro Morata, a striker with extensive experience at top European clubs, is reportedly on the verge of a surprising transfer to Spanish second-division team Leganes. The move comes after a challenging loan spell at Como last season, where the 33-year-old forward scored only once in 30 appearances and reportedly fell out with manager Cesc Fabregas.
Como had only made Morata's loan move permanent in June, but the player has now requested to leave. Leganes, nicknamed the 'Cucumber Growers', are finalizing a deal with Como. This transfer would see Morata, who has played for Real Madrid, Juventus, AC Milan, Chelsea, and Atletico Madrid, join a club with a 14,500-capacity stadium.
Morata's career has seen significant ups and downs, including a then-club record £70.6 million transfer to Chelsea from Real Madrid in 2017. He spent 18 months at Stamford Bridge before moving on loan to Atletico Madrid and then signing for Juventus.
His time at Como was marked by a notable incident in February when he received two quick yellow cards and was sent off against Fiorentina. Following the red card, Fabregas, his former Chelsea teammate and now Como manager, suggested Morata should "play another sport" if he could not handle the pressure of professional football. Morata was involved in confrontations with Rolando Mandragora and Marin Pongracic before his dismissal.
Leganes, who were in LaLiga as recently as the 2024-25 season, are aiming for promotion after finishing 16th last season. The club has undergone changes, including new ownership, and has already made 11 signings this summer. Morata's addition would be a significant acquisition as they pursue promotion.
Morata brings a considerable scoring record, with 231 goals in 660 club appearances and 37 goals in 87 matches for Spain. He will be hoping to add to his tally at his new club.
The striker's personal life has also seen recent turbulence. Reports indicate that Morata and his wife, Alice Campello, have called off divorce proceedings for a second time. The couple, who have four children, reportedly split after the Euro 2024 final and again in August of that year, seven years after marrying. They reconciled in January but then separated again before reportedly deciding to give their relationship another chance. They were recently seen together at a concert.