Sporting Gijón has welcomed new centre-backs Emanuel Gularte and Aimar Duñabeitia this Monday, as they undergo medical examinations before signing their contracts. The club sits ninth in the Segunda División with 61 points, 18 wins, 7 draws and 17 losses, and enters the round on a five‑game winning streak.

What happened in Gijón?

Gularte, 28, arrived from Puebla (Mexico) after a nearly 24‑hour flight from Uruguay. His stint with the rojiblanco side will start as a loan, with a purchase option tied to promotion. Duñabeitia, 23, comes from Athletic Bilbao and signs for three seasons, although the Basque club retains a buy‑back right for the next two campaigns. Both players must pass medicals before the club finalises their signings.

Why are these signings important?

Head coach Nicolás Larcamón, who will land in Gijón on Tuesday, was looking to shore up the central defence to cement the recent winning run (WWWWW). With Gularte and Duñabeitia, the squad gains international experience and local youth, two traits the manager values to stay competitive in the league. Moreover, the arrivals of goalkeeper Egoitz Arana and centre‑back Jorge Sáenz, already announced, complete a reinforcement phase aimed at closing the 21‑point gap with leaders Racing Santander.

What’s next for Sporting?

Once the medicals are cleared, the new signings will ink their contracts and join pre‑season training. The next challenge will be the match against Granada CF, which Sporting won 2‑1 on May 30, showing the team’s ability to respond in key moments. With a bolstered squad, the board hopes the team maintains its momentum and returns to the promotion race.

How does this affect the immediate future?

The club already has a technical staff that arrived before the season, and Larcamón’s arrival will complete the coaching team. Gularte and Duñabeitia represent a medium‑term gamble: if Sporting secures promotion, the Uruguayan will sign for three more years; if not, the club can negotiate his departure. Either way, the addition of these two defenders strengthens the back line and gives the manager tactical options for upcoming fixtures.