CD Leganés Defenders 2024/25

As CD Leganes defenders lineup embarks on the 2024/25 season in La Liga, the team’s squad showcases a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents. This composition aims to provide both stability and dynamism at the back. Let’s take a look at each defender currently on the roster, highlighting their backgrounds, career trajectories, and contributions to the team.

Kenneth Omeruo

Kenneth Omeruo, born on October 17, 1993, in Kaduna, Nigeria, is a central defender renowned for his robust physical presence and tactical intelligence. He began his professional journey with Standard Liège in Belgium before signing with Chelsea FC in 2012. Although he didn’t make a competitive appearance for Chelsea, Omeruo gained valuable experience through multiple loan spells, including stints at ADO Den Haag in the Netherlands, Middlesbrough in England, and Turkish clubs Kasımpaşa and Alanyaspor. His initial association with CD Leganes defenders crew commenced in the 2018/19 season on loan, where his impressive performances led to a permanent transfer in August 2019 for a reported fee of €4.5 million. Since then, Omeruo has been a cornerstone of Leganés’ defense, bringing leadership and consistency to the backline.

Jackson Porozo

Jackson Porozo, an Ecuadorian center-back born on August 4, 2000, in San Lorenzo, Ecuador, is recognized for his towering height and defensive prowess. He developed through the youth ranks of Manta FC in Ecuador before moving to Brazilian side Santos FC, where he continued his development. In 2020, Porozo transferred to Portuguese club Boavista FC, competing in the Primeira Liga. His performances in Portugal caught the attention of scouts across Europe, leading to his acquisition by CD Leganes defenders lineup in the summer of 2024. Porozo’s aerial ability and composure on the ball add significant value to Leganés’ defensive unit.

Matija Nastasić

Serbian defender Matija Nastasić, born on March 28, 1993, in Valjevo, Serbia, brings a wealth of experience to CD Leganes defendive line. His professional career began with Partizan Belgrade, followed by a move to Fiorentina in Italy’s Serie A.

In 2012, Nastasić joined Manchester City in the English Premier League, where he contributed to their league title win in the 2013/14 season. Subsequently, he spent several years with Schalke 04 in the Bundesliga before returning to Fiorentina. In 2024, seeking a new challenge, Nastasić signed with CD Leganés, bringing his defensive acumen and international experience to the squad.

Allan Nyom

Allan Nyom, born on May 10, 1988, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France, is a versatile defender capable of playing both as a right-back and center-back. He began his career with AS Nancy in France before moving to Udinese in Italy. Nyom gained prominence during his loan spell at Granada CF in Spain, where he played a pivotal role in their promotion to La Liga. After stints with Watford in the English Premier League and West Bromwich Albion, he returned to Spain, joining CD Leganes defense roster in 2019. Nyom’s physicality and experience in top-flight football have been invaluable assets to the team.

Sergio González

Spanish defender Sergio González, born on May 18, 1992, in Cartagena, Spain, is known for his versatility, comfortably operating both in central defense and as a defensive midfielder. He progressed through the youth system of Cádiz CF, making his professional debut with their senior team. González later played for Racing Santander and Cultural Leonesa before signing with CD Leganes defenders squad in 2018. His tactical intelligence and adaptability have made him a reliable figure in Leganés’ defensive setup.

Javier Hernández

Javier Hernández, commonly known as ‘Javi,’ was born on March 2, 1998, in Salamanca, Spain. Primarily a left-back, Javi is appreciated for his pace and ability to contribute to both defensive duties and offensive support. He developed through the youth ranks of Real Madrid, featuring for their Castilla team before moving to CD Leganes defenders roster in 2020. Since joining, Javi has been working to establish himself as a regular starter, showcasing his potential in various domestic competitions.

Roberto Rosales

Venezuelan international Roberto Rosales, born on November 20, 1988, in Caracas, Venezuela, is a seasoned right-back known for his defensive solidity and crossing ability. His European career began with Belgian club Gent, followed by a move to FC Twente in the Netherlands, where he won the Eredivisie title. Rosales then spent several years with Málaga CF in La Liga before joining CD Leganés in 2019. His experience and consistency have been crucial for Leganés, especially during their campaigns in Spain’s top division.

Unai Bustinza

Unai Bustinza, born on February 2, 1992, in Bilbao, Spain, is a tenacious defender capable of playing both as a right-back and center-back. A product of Athletic Bilbao’s youth academy, Bustinza made appearances for their senior team before transferring to CD Leganes defenders squad in 2015. Over the years, he has become a fan favorite due to his commitment and leadership on the pitch, often captaining the side during crucial matches.

Jonathan Silva

Argentinian left-back Jonathan Silva, born on June 29, 1994, in La Plata, Argentina, is known for his attacking forays and set-piece proficiency. He began his career with Estudiantes in Argentina before moving to Sporting CP in Portugal. Silva had loan spells with Boca Juniors and AS Roma, gaining valuable experience in different leagues. In 2019, he joined CD Leganés, where he has been an important figure on the left flank, contributing both defensively and offensive play.

Enric Franquesa

Enric Franquesa, born on February 26, 1997, in Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain, is a dynamic left-back known for his offensive support and defensive reliability. He began his football journey at FC Barcelona’s La Masia academy, where he honed his skills before embarking on his professional career. Franquesa’s early senior experience included loan spells at CE Sabadell FC and CF Gavà in Spain’s lower divisions, which provided him with valuable playing time and development opportunities. In 2017, he signed with Villarreal CF, initially featuring for their B-team. His consistent performances earned him subsequent loans to CD Mirandés and Girona FC in the Segunda División, where he showcased his versatility and attacking prowess. In July 2021, Franquesa secured a move to Levante UD, marking his entry into La Liga. After a loan stint with CD Leganes defenders lineup in January 2023, his impactful displays led to a permanent transfer in June 2024, with the club investing in his abilities to bolster their defensive lineup. Franquesa’s journey reflects a steady progression through Spain’s football tiers, culminating in his current role as a key component of Leganés’ defense.

Lalo Aguilar

Gonzalo “Lalo” Aguilar López, born on June 11, 2002, in Madrid, Spain, is a promising central defender who has risen through the ranks of Spanish football. He began his youth career at Atlético Madrid before joining CD Leganés’ academy in 2013. Aguilar made his senior debut with Leganés’ C-team in November 2019, gradually progressing to the B-team in the Segunda División RFEF. His dedication and performances earned him a contract extension in July 2022, solidifying his place within the club’s future plans. Aguilar’s first-team debut came in a Copa del Rey match against Gernika Club in November 2022, followed by his professional league debut in March 2023 against Málaga CF in the Segunda División. To gain further experience, he was loaned to Atlético Madrid B in February 2024 and subsequently to Albacete Balompié in August 2024. These loan spells are designed to provide Aguilar with valuable playing time and development opportunities, with the aim of integrating him into Leganés’ first team upon his return.

Jorge Miramón

Jorge Miramón, born on June 2, 1989, in Zaragoza, Spain, is a seasoned right-back with a wealth of experience across various tiers of Spanish football. A product of Real Zaragoza’s youth system, Miramón spent his early career with their reserve team before moving to Atlético Madrid B in 2010. He continued to develop his craft with stints at Andorra CF and Lleida Esportiu in the Segunda División B, where he honed his defensive skills and tactical understanding. In July 2015, Miramón signed with CD Leganes defenders setup, making his professional debut in August of that year. He contributed to Leganés’ historic promotion to La Liga in the 2015/16 season. Following his initial tenure at Leganés, he played for CF Reus Deportiu and SD Huesca, gaining valuable top-flight experience. In June 2019, he joined Levante UD, further solidifying his reputation as a reliable defender. Miramón returned to CD Leganés in July 2022, bringing his extensive experience and leadership back to the club. In August 2024, he embarked on a new challenge by signing with AEK Larnaca in Cyprus, seeking to continue his professional journey abroad.

CD Leganés’ defensive roster for the 2024/25 season is a testament to the club’s strategic blend of experienced veterans and emerging talents. Each player brings a unique set of skills and experiences, contributing to a cohesive unit capable of competing at the highest level of Spanish football. From seasoned internationals like Kenneth Omeruo and Matija Nastasić to promising talents such as Lalo Aguilar, the diversity in the squad offers both stability and dynamism. As the season progresses, the collective efforts of these defenders will be pivotal in achieving the club’s objectives and solidifying their standing in La Liga.