Las Palmas Squad 2024/25

As the 2024/25 season progresses, Unión Deportiva Las Palmas squad embarks on an exciting journey with a well-rounded crew composed of both experienced internationals and rising young talents. The Canary Islanders are eager to prove their competitiveness in LaLiga and beyond, with a focus on solid team play, strategic development, and making a lasting impact in Spanish football. The following breakdown provides a detailed look at each player in the squad, offering insights into their history, skillset, and role within the team.

Goalkeepers

UD Las Palmas’ goalkeeping department features both seasoned professionals and promising youth, ensuring a reliable foundation at the back.

Jasper Cillessen

Jasper Cillessen is a highly experienced Dutch goalkeeper who joined Las Palmas squad in the summer of 2024. Born on April 22, 1989, in Groesbeek, Netherlands, Cillessen stands at 1.85 meters. He began his career at NEC Nijmegen before making a significant move to Ajax, where he garnered attention for his excellent shot-stopping abilities and composed distribution from the back. His solid performances at Ajax Amsterdam led to a high-profile transfer to FC Barcelona, where he became a key figure in the club’s cup competitions, securing domestic titles and playing in European fixtures. Seeking more regular playing time, Cillessen moved to Valencia CF in 2016, where he continued to showcase his talents in LaLiga. His move to Las Palmas represents both a new challenge and an opportunity for the club to benefit from his experience in top-flight football.

Álvaro Vallés

Álvaro Vallés, a product of the Las Palmas youth academy, has steadily worked his way up from the club’s B team to the first team. Born on July 25, 1996, in La Rinconada, Spain, Vallés stands at 1.90 meters and is known for his reliable shot-stopping and calm demeanor in goal. Vallés’ development through the ranks of Las Palmas squad has been impressive, as he transitioned from the youth sides to securing minutes with the senior team. His dedication and commitment to the club have earned him valuable first-team appearances in LaLiga, and he is widely regarded as a capable and promising goalkeeper for the future of Las Palmas.

Karlo Horkaš

Karlo Horkaš, a Croatian goalkeeper born on March 10, 1999, in Sisak, Croatia, stands at 1.89 meters and is another talented addition to the Las Palmas squad. Horkaš began his career with the youth system of Dinamo Zagreb, Croatia’s most successful club. His performances with the senior team of NK Lokomotiva showcased his potential, leading to his move to Las Palmas roster. Known for his reflexes and agility, Horkaš is a promising goalkeeper who will challenge for the backup role and is considered a key figure in Las Palmas’ long-term future.

Defenders

Las Palmas boasts a diverse and adaptable defensive unit, featuring both versatile full-backs and solid center-backs, allowing the team to approach defensive situations with various tactical options.

Marvin Park

Marvin Olawale Akinlabi Park, commonly known as Marvin Park, is a Spanish international who brings both defensive stability and offensive contribution to Las Palmas squad. Born on July 3, 2000, in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, Marvin stands at 1.78 meters and is known for his pace and technical ability. He started his career at Real Madrid’s famed youth academy, La Fábrica, before moving to Real Madrid Castilla, where he gained valuable experience in Spain’s lower leagues. His versatility allows him to play as a right-back or as a winger, making him a dynamic addition to Las Palmas’ squad. Marvin’s move to Las Palmas in July 2024 gives him the opportunity to prove himself in LaLiga, with his flair and energy adding depth to the club’s defensive options.

Mika Mármol

Mika Mármol Medina, a left-footed center-back, joined Las Palmas squad from FC Barcelona B in the summer of 2024. Born on July 1, 2001, in Terrassa, Spain, Mármol stands at 1.81 meters and is known for his composure under pressure and tactical awareness. His youth development at Barcelona’s La Masia academy equipped him with a deep understanding of the game, and he made a name for himself in the B team. His ability to distribute the ball from the back and initiate attacking moves is a key aspect of his playstyle. With Las Palmas, he is expected to become a mainstay in the defensive unit, offering both reliability and technical ability.

Álex Suárez

Álex Suárez, born on March 18, 1993, in Las Palmas, Spain, is a versatile defender who has spent the majority of his career at the club. Suárez stands at 1.79 meters and is capable of playing both as a center-back and right-back. A product of the Las Palmas youth academy, Suárez has worked his way up through the club’s ranks, making a name for himself with his solid defensive capabilities and leadership qualities. His familiarity with the club’s philosophy and style of play makes him a key asset in the defensive setup. Suárez’s long-standing commitment to Las Palmas ensures that he remains a trusted option for the team.

Scott McKenna

Scott McKenna, a Scottish center-back born on November 12, 1996, in Dundee, Scotland, is another important addition to Las Palmas’ defensive line. Standing at 1.88 meters, McKenna brings physicality and aerial dominance to the backline. He began his career at Aberdeen, where he quickly established himself as one of Scotland’s most promising defenders. McKenna’s performances earned him a move to Nottingham Forest in the English Championship, where he continued to develop as a reliable and combative defender. His experience at the highest levels of English football will prove invaluable to Las Palmas squad as they seek to strengthen their defense in LaLiga.

Viti Rozada

Viti Rozada, born on September 16, 1997, in Pola de Laviana, Spain, is a right-back standing at 1.70 meters. Rozada began his professional career with Real Oviedo, where he worked his way up through the youth system to the senior team. Known for his work ethic, defensive solidity, and ability to contribute in the attacking third, Viti joined Las Palmas squad with the aim of competing for a starting role in the backline. His presence adds depth to the team’s right side, providing tactical options for head coach Diego Martínez.

Midfielders

Las Palmas’ midfield is the heartbeat of the team, with a mix of creative playmakers and industrious box-to-box players who help control the game from the center.

Stefan Bajčetić

Stefan Bajčetić, born on October 22, 2004, in Vigo, Spain, is a young and dynamic midfielder who joined Las Palmas in the summer of 2024. At 1.85 meters, Bajčetić is known for his versatility and energy in the center of the pitch. He began his career with Celta Vigo before moving to Liverpool’s youth system, where he gained recognition for his composure, passing range, and ability to break up opposition attacks. Bajčetić’s move to Las Palmas squad marks an exciting new chapter in his career, where he will aim to further develop his skills and establish himself as a key player in LaLiga.

Sergio Ruiz

Sergio Ruiz, another important midfield presence for Las Palmas squad, was born on March 4, 1997, in La Albora, Spain. Known for his strong work ethic, defensive stability, and excellent distribution, Ruiz is a central midfielder who adds balance to the team. Standing at 1.76 meters, Ruiz has a reputation for winning tackles and intercepting passes, providing the team with protection in front of the defense while also contributing to attacking moves. His experience with Las Palmas’ B team and his recent involvement with the first team make him an essential player in the club’s midfield.

Jonathan Viera

Jonathan Viera, one of the club’s star players, has been with Las Palmas squad for several years and is the creative force in the midfield. Born on November 21, 1989, in Las Palmas, Spain, Viera is a gifted playmaker who has earned a reputation as one of the best attacking midfielders in Spain. Standing at 1.74 meters, Viera is known for his dribbling, vision, and ability to score spectacular goals. He has had stints with top European clubs, including a spell in China, but his return to the club has reinvigorated the team. Viera’s ability to dictate play and create opportunities for his teammates makes him the focal point of the Las Palmas midfield.

Forwards

Las Palmas’ attacking unit is built around dynamic forwards who possess both the technical skill and the finishing ability to make a significant impact in LaLiga.

Jorge de Frutos

Jorge de Frutos is a Spanish forward who joined Las Palmas squad in the summer of 2024. Born on June 29, 1997, in Castellón de la Plana, Spain, de Frutos stands at 1.77 meters. He began his career with the youth teams of Levante, eventually breaking into the senior team and showcasing his flair and pace on the wing. Known for his explosive speed and precise dribbling, de Frutos offers width and creativity to Las Palmas’ attack. His ability to deliver dangerous crosses and cut inside to take shots makes him a constant threat to opposition defenses.

Mohamed Ali-Cho

Mohamed Ali-Cho, a French forward born on January 27, 2004, in Angers, France, is an exciting young talent who joined Las Palmas squad in 2024. Standing at 1.83 meters, Cho is known for his pace, agility, and ability to play across the forward line. He began his career with Angers SCO, where he made a strong impression as a teenager. Cho’s technical ability, combined with his instinctive positioning and predatory nature in front of goal, makes him a player to watch in LaLiga. His addition to the squad strengthens Las Palmas’ attacking options significantly.

Vera Rodríguez

Vera Rodríguez, a clinical Spanish striker born on May 5, 1995, in Tenerife, Spain, brings a wealth of experience and a proven goal-scoring record to the team. Standing at 1.82 meters, Rodríguez is known for his excellent movement off the ball and his ability to finish with both feet and his head. Having played for clubs in Spain’s lower divisions, he now has the opportunity to prove himself at the highest level with Las Palmas squad in LaLiga. Rodríguez’s physicality, combined with his sharp finishing instincts, makes him a valuable asset in the club’s forward line. His experience in Spanish football gives him an edge when it comes to positioning, and he is expected to be one of the primary goal-scoring threats for the team this season.

The 2024/25 Las Palmas squad is a carefully constructed blend of youthful promise and experienced professionals, all united with the common goal of establishing themselves as a competitive force in LaLiga. With a solid mix of key players like Jonathan Viera and Jasper Cillessen, and the rising talents of Stefan Bajčetić and Mohamed Ali-Cho, Las Palmas has a squad capable of delivering exciting performances and securing vital results in one of the toughest leagues in Europe. The diverse tactical options across goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards provide head coach Diego Martínez with the flexibility to adjust his approach throughout the season. As the season unfolds, Las Palmas’ fans will undoubtedly look forward to watching this talented squad grow and thrive, with aspirations for a top-half finish and further success in domestic and international competitions.