Sporting Gijon is one step away from sealing the deal for Damián Rodríguez, the 23‑year‑old midfielder whose contract with Celta Vigo runs until 2028. The rojiblanco board has intensified talks with agency Universal Twenty Two to untangle the loan the player still holds with Racing Santander.

What does the contract situation mean?

Rodríguez joined Racing in the last winter window under a clause for a second season that activated when the Cantabrian side earned promotion. Racing has now announced it will not renew the loan and will trigger the clause that allows ending the agreement. Meanwhile Celta has not called the player for preseason, leaving his future in limbo – a hurdle Sporting must clear before making a formal bid.

Why is Sporting after Rodríguez?

Mareo’s club wants a pivot with higher technical quality to replace the more physical midfielders it previously evaluated, such as Miguel Atienza or Sergio Álvarez. Rodríguez fits the desired profile: able to dictate play and provide a clean outlet for the ball. He featured in twenty matches in the second half of the season with Racing, playing a key role in their promotion, though never cementing himself as an undisputed starter.

Who else is chasing the player?

Sporting is not alone. Granada CF is also monitoring Rodríguez, turning the negotiation into a small race. Nevertheless, the board believes the fee will be modest, making the deal financially viable.

How does this affect the current campaign?

Sporting Gijon sits 9th in Segunda División with 61 points (18 W‑7 D‑17 L) and a five‑game winning streak, the latest being a 2‑1 victory over Granada CF on 30 May 2026. The side has scored 60 goals and conceded 54, a +6 goal difference, indicating a balance that could improve with a quality midfielder like Rodríguez.

What’s next for the transfer?

The next step is for Celta to officially confirm the loan termination and for Sporting to submit a concrete offer. Meanwhile the club continues to explore other midfield options but keeps Rodríguez as its top target. The return of Mamadou Loum to training after his Achilles tendon rupture also strengthens the squad, giving the coach more choices in the middle of the park.

With the transfer window open and rivals applying pressure, Sporting Gijon appears determined to close the deal before the market cools down. Adding Rodríguez could provide the spark needed to climb the table and close the 21‑point gap to the leaders.