Alaves have survived relegation comfortably this season, and going into the final two games, have a ten point cushion to the drop, despite only being promoted last year, and having one of the lowest salary limits in La Liga. Much of the credit has to go to Luis Garcia Plaza.
Many foresaw them struggling in the relegation zone, but El Glorioso have steered clear of any such trouble this season. Garcia Plaza had been mentioned as a candidate for the upcoming vacancies at RCD Mallorca and Osasuna, but after a meeting with Alaves, Relevo say that he is well on his way to staying at Mendizorrotza. Their talks were fruitful, and only details separate his signature from a two-year deal at Alaves – the multi-year deal being a requirement for the Madrid native.
Alaves have also committed to give him a competitive squad next season, with a degree of rebuilding necessary. Loanees Samu Omorodion and Rafa Marin will return to Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid respectively, and Andoni Gorosabel will join Athletic Club on a free. Meanwhile Luis Rioja, Abdel Aqbar and Javi Lopez could also be sold.
While there is plenty of work to do, securing Garcia Plaza’s presence is the first step to stability in Vitoria-Gasteiz. His work with the above loanees should bear fruit too, with other clubs more likely to cede their players to Alaves this summer. As noted above though, there is the possibility of losing their entire defence.
