The Family Cash Alzira is determined to cling to permanence. Especially considering their current position at the bottom of the First Division in their inaugural season in the top category. In light of this, the club, led by Vicente Fontana, is gearing up for a robust strategy in the winter market by incorporating three Brazilian players to fortify the squad. It was confirmed that the acquisition of Tiago Selbach will be complemented by signings of Pesk and Gustavo Barbosa.
This triple reinforcement, consisting of two pivot and a center back, aims to bolster the team under the guidance of coach Braulio Correal. The addition includes two seasoned scorers and a promising defensive player to support Alzira. Which has accumulated eight of its ten points in the last six games. Notably, they secured victories against Quesos El Hidalgo Manzanares and Movistar Inter, along with draws against ATP Tudelano and Jimbee Cartagena. This recent surge comes after a challenging start. Where they had only managed two points in the initial eleven rounds, leaving them four points away from salvation.
Initially, the Alzira sports management had intended to sign a center to compensate for the loss of Catalan player Eric Panés due to injury. As reported, their choice was Tiago Selbach (33), a right-handed player who concluded 2023 with Carlos Barbosa’s ACBF and has experience in Japan and Thailand. Coach Braulio Correal’s primary focus is on improving the team’s scoring capabilities. As they currently hold the lowest scoring record in the league with 36 goals in 17 games.
However, an injury to Humberto prompted the need for another scorer.
The Brazilian veteran underwent surgery and will be sidelined for the remainder of the season. In response to this setback, Alzira swiftly secured the services of Wesley Macedo da Silva, known as Pesk (35), who was released by Napoli. Pesk, a right-handed center, is set to arrive in Valencia on Sunday to sign a contract until June 30. His previous experience includes stints with Italian clubs Feldi Eboli and Intelli, as well as playing alongside Tiago Selbach in Carlos Barbosa in 2020. Pesk also boasts a Brazilian League title and two Libertadores trophies in his impressive resume.
The third and final signing is Gustavo Henrique da Silva Barbosa, a promising 22-year-old right-handed closer. Despite initially committing to Assoeva in Brazil, he chose to embrace the offer from Family Cash Alzira to play in Spain. While offers were extended to Fer Drasler (Joinville) and Wanderson (former Osasuna, Burela, and Jaén), personal issues prevented their arrival.
Gustavo might not be the last addition for Alzira. With Cádiz power forward Carlitos terminating his contract and moving to Italian club Pirossigeno Cosenza, the club is exploring further options before the winter transfer window closes on January 31. Their preference is a left-footed player, considering the limited options available in the current market, and the competition resumes on February 14.
