Juventud de Torremolinos, after a nerve-wracking survival, has embarked on an ambitious transfer market. The latest arrival is defender Mati Barboza, who signs until 2027.
Juventud de Torremolinos does not beat around the bush. After narrowly avoiding relegation last season, the club from El Pozuelo has decided to make a bold statement. Their latest move has been the signing of Mati Barboza, a 24-year-old defender returning to the province of Málaga after three years away.
Barboza, who can play both as a centre-back and a right-back, arrives from Atlético Madrileño, the reserve team of Atlético de Madrid, where he was on loan last season. Previously, he played for Córdoba and Atlético Malagueño. He brings with him 32 matches in Primera Federación and five playoff games for promotion to professional football. Standing at 1.88 meters tall and with good ball distribution, he becomes a reliable reinforcement for the defence.
A star-studded squad
But Barboza is not the only name that has landed in Torremolinos. The sporting management, led by David Cabello, and coach Aitor Martínez have crafted a squad that reeks of ambition. One of the most notable signings has been Wilfrid Kaptoum, a former player of Barcelona and Real Betis, who knows what it is to lift a Copa del Rey and step onto the Champions League stage. Another big signing: Dioni Villalba, the all-time top scorer in Primera RFEF, with 192 goals in his career and over 400 matches across Segunda División, Segunda B, and Primera Federación.
Joining them are Cristian Rodríguez, a youth product of Atlético de Madrid and former player of Málaga CF; Javi Belman, a goalkeeper trained in the lower categories of Real Madrid; Dominique Moubeke, from Recreativo Granada; and Manu Sánchez, arriving from AD Ceuta. A septet of reinforcements that, on paper, positions Juventud de Torremolinos as one of the strongest teams in the category.
From suffering to hope
Not long ago, Juventud de Torremolinos was fighting to avoid falling to Segunda Federación. Last season, the team struggled until the last match to secure their survival. But this summer, the message has changed. The club has decided to invest heavily, with signings of proven experience, to leave behind the struggles and aim for the upper part of the table.
For the fans of Torremolinos, the news is doubly good. Not only will they see their team compete with confidence, but they will also enjoy players who have been at the elite level. Kaptoum, Dioni, or Cristian Rodríguez are names that fill the pitch and, in turn, the stands. El Pozuelo, which was already a fortress last season, promises to be an even hotter stadium in the 2026-27 season.
And it seems the story is not over yet. According to club sources, the market is still open and further signings are not ruled out. Ambition knows no bounds in Torremolinos, and the goal is clear: to stop suffering and, why not, dream of something more than just survival.
Mati Barboza has already joined the pre-season and will be available for the first league match, which will start at the end of August. Meanwhile, season ticket holders are already rubbing their hands together: Juventud de Torremolinos is very serious about this.
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