CLUB SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Club | RCD Espanyol de Barcelona |
| League | LaLiga EA Sports |
| Manager | Eder Sarabia |
| Stadium | RCDE Stadium |
| Nickname | Los Periquitos |
| Founded | 1900 |
| First Choice | Àngel Fortuño |
| Experienced Alternative | Marko Dmitrović |
| Third Choice | Llorenç Serred |
| Departure | Pol Tristán |
| Key Concern | Sarabia’s unresolved hierarchy |
The Defining Moment
Espanyol’s goalkeeping department entered 2026/27 in a state of unusual uncertainty. The summer had brought significant change to the club’s sporting structure, with Monchi installed as sporting director and a clear mandate to reinforce the squad. The goalkeeping position was identified as a priority, yet the expected arrival of a new number one never materialised. Instead, the season began with Marko Dmitrović, the veteran Serbian who had been the undisputed starter for two campaigns, and Àngel Fortuño, the academy graduate who had spent those same two years watching from the bench, competing for a role that neither had clearly won.
The defining shift arrived not in the transfer market but on the training pitch and, subsequently, in the starting line-up. Eder Sarabia, the new manager, inherited a goalkeeping situation he admitted he did not fully understand: “No lo tengo claro porque no les conozco lo suficiente” — I’m not sure because I don’t know them well enough. By October, the answer had begun to crystallise. Fortuño, handed an opportunity when Dmitrović suffered back problems, delivered consecutive strong performances against Málaga and Atlético Madrid. Manolo González, Sarabia’s predecessor, had defended the change with a simple logic: “Estuvo bien y no había ningún motivo para sacarlo” — he did well and there was no reason to take him out.
This is the story of Espanyol’s 2026/27 goalkeepers: a patient academy graduate finally seizing his chance, a veteran international confronting the possibility that his time as starter is over, and a young third choice learning from both.
Tactical Context
Sarabia’s arrival brought a change of system and, with it, a change in what the manager demands from his goalkeeper. The Basque coach, who previously worked under Ronald Koeman at Barcelona and has coached in Spain’s lower divisions, favours a structured build-up that requires the goalkeeper to participate as an auxiliary outfield player. His public comments have emphasised a preference for “tener más de un portero” — having more than one goalkeeper — and a willingness to rotate based on form and opponent.
The early-season numbers reflect a team still adjusting. Espanyol’s defensive record under Manolo González had been respectable, and the goalkeeping change did not disrupt that foundation. Fortuño’s two starts produced performances that earned praise for his agility, shot-stopping, and composure with the ball at his feet, qualities that had been noted by coaches who worked with him at youth level. His relative lack of height — 183cm, compared to Dmitrović’s 194cm — is compensated for by positioning and reflexes.
The tactical question for Sarabia is whether to commit to Fortuño as the long-term number one or to reintroduce Dmitrović once fully fit. The manager’s early comments suggested an open mind, but Fortuño’s performances have made the decision more difficult. The Spaniard’s contract renewal until 2030, completed before the season began, signals the club’s belief in his potential.
The Goalkeepers
Àngel Fortuño
Fortuño is the story of Espanyol’s season. The 25-year-old academy graduate spent two full campaigns in the first-team squad without a genuine opportunity, making just three appearances across those seasons while first Joan García and then Dmitrović held the starting role. His public comments in May reflected a player at a crossroads: “Quiero jugar aquí porque es el club de mi vida, pero sería difícil otra temporada como esta para mí” — I want to play here because it’s the club of my life, but another season like this would be difficult.
The opportunity arrived through circumstance — Dmitrović’s back injury — but Fortuño’s response transformed it into something more permanent. His performances against Málaga and Atlético convinced González, and the manager’s refusal to change a winning formula extended Fortuño’s run. The qualities that had been dormant during his years on the bench — agility, shot-stopping, distribution — emerged under the pressure of competitive matches. At 25, he is no longer a prospect; he is a goalkeeper entering his prime years with a point to prove.
Marko Dmitrović
Dmitrović is the veteran confronting an unfamiliar position. The 34-year-old Serbian international has been a reliable presence for Espanyol, his experience and command of the penalty area central to the club’s defensive stability across two seasons. At 194cm, he offers a physical presence that Fortuño cannot match, and his shot-stopping has been consistently solid.
The back injury that opened the door for Fortuño has complicated his return. Sarabia’s public praise for Dmitrović — “es un portero que me ha gustado siempre mucho. Tiene personalidad, es líder y muchas virtudes” — suggests respect for his qualities. But respect does not guarantee a starting place, and Fortuño’s form has created a genuine dilemma. At 34, Dmitrović faces the prospect of competing for a role he once held unchallenged.
Llorenç Serred
Serred is the third choice and the link to the club’s future. The 21-year-old from Terrassa has been promoted from the reserve team to serve as the emergency option, a role that reflects both his potential and the club’s financial constraints. Sarabia noted that Serred “está en un segundo plano, pero está creciendo y ayudándonos” — he’s in the background, but he’s growing and helping us.
At 21, Serred’s pathway to first-team minutes is blocked by two more experienced options. His development will likely require a loan move in a future window, but for now he provides depth and trains with the senior squad.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: Espanyol Goalkeeper LaLiga Statistics (2026/27)
| Player | Apps (Starts) | Minutes | Key Trait |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marko Dmitrović | 7 (7) | 630 | Experience, command of area |
| Àngel Fortuño | 3 (3) | 270 | Agility, distribution, form |
| Llorenç Serred | 0 (0) | 0 | Development, depth |
TABLE B: Espanyol Goalkeeper Unit – Key Metrics (2026/27)
| Metric | Value | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Fortuño Contract | Until 2030 | Club belief in long-term potential |
| Fortuño Height | 183cm | Compensates with positioning and reflexes |
| Dmitrović Height | 194cm | Physical presence in the box |
| Clean Sheets (combined) | — | Reflective of defensive stability |
TABLE C: Goalkeeper Career Context & Pedigree
| Player | Nationality | Previous Clubs | Style Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Àngel Fortuño | Spain | Espanyol Academy | Agile shot-stopper, good with feet, patient understudy |
| Marko Dmitrović | Serbia | Sevilla, Eibar, Leganés | Experienced international, commanding presence, leader |
| Llorenç Serred | Spain | Espanyol B | Young development prospect, third-choice cover |
Tactical Identity & Squad Balance
Espanyol’s goalkeeping unit is a study in transition. Dmitrović represents the recent past — a reliable, experienced professional who delivered stability when called upon. Fortuño represents the present and, potentially, the future — a homegrown talent who has waited for his opportunity and seized it with both hands. Serred represents the long-term project, a young goalkeeper learning his trade behind two more established figures.
The dilemma facing Sarabia is not a bad one to have. Two capable goalkeepers competing for a single position is a sign of squad health, not crisis. The manager’s early comments suggested he is comfortable with rotation and willing to make decisions based on form rather than reputation. Fortuño’s performances have earned him the benefit of the doubt for now, but Dmitrović’s experience and physical profile offer a different option depending on the opponent.
The broader context is one of financial constraint and strategic planning. Monchi’s summer recruitment focused on other positions, and the goalkeeping department was left to resolve itself internally. The departures of Pol Tristán and the promotion of Serred reflected a desire to streamline the squad and create pathways for academy players. Whether that approach delivers stability in the most specialised position on the pitch remains to be seen.
The Verdict from the Camp
Eder Sarabia on his goalkeeping options:
“Siempre he contado con más de un portero, por lo que él que juegue contra el Dépor no significa que vaya a ser titular. En algunas ocasiones necesito ir conociéndoles un poco más.”
Sarabia on Àngel Fortuño:
“Está rindiendo espectacular y en los últimos partidos ha sido decisivo. Tiene margen de mejora, hambre y está transmitiendo seguridad al equipo.”
Sarabia on Marko Dmitrović:
“Es un portero que me ha gustado siempre mucho. Tiene personalidad, es líder y muchas virtudes.”
Manolo González on Fortuño’s run in the team:
“Estuvo bien y no había ningún motivo para sacarlo.”
Where Next?
Espanyol’s goalkeeping priority for 2026/27 is clarity. Sarabia must decide whether Fortuño’s form merits an extended run or whether Dmitrović’s experience is required for the challenges ahead. The manager’s rotationist instincts suggest both will play, but LaLiga’s most successful teams tend to have a settled number one.
The longer-term picture is more settled. Fortuño’s contract until 2030 and his emergence as a genuine starter option provides the club with security in a position where stability is precious. Dmitrović’s future beyond this season is uncertain, and Serred’s development will determine whether Espanyol need to invest in another goalkeeper in the summer.
For now, the focus is on the next match and the next decision. Fortuño has earned the right to keep the shirt. Dmitrović has earned the right to be considered. Sarabia, still learning his players and his club, must choose. The season’s trajectory may depend on whether he chooses correctly.
