Barcelona Futsal Club Parts Ways with Álex Yepes
FC Barcelona has officially terminated the contract of center player Álex Yepes, who will return to his original team, Sandro Abate, in Italy. The move comes after a challenging period for the Murcian player, who initially joined Barcelona as an emergency solution in August 2023.
Yepes’s journey with Barcelona was marked by significant challenges. Shortly after joining, he suffered a severe knee injury during a UEFA Futsal Champions League match against RSC Anderlecht on October 26, which sidelined him for 358 days. Despite this setback, the club renewed his contract in June 2024, offering him a second chance.
Upon his return to the pitch on October 18, Yepes played 10 matches and scored two goals against Viña Albali Valdepeñas and Movistar Inter. However, his playing time diminished recently, with coach Tino Pérez reducing his minutes in the team’s lineup.
In an emotional farewell shared on social media, Yepes reflected on his time at the club, stating that while every journey has an end, it doesn’t have to be sorrowful. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play for Barcelona, a club he considered the best in the world.
Back to Italy
The mutual agreement benefits both parties. Barcelona will save on Yepes’s salary for the remainder of the season and now has an open roster spot to potentially register Sergio González. Who is recovering from a knee injury. For Yepes, the move represents a return to familiar territory with Sandro Abate, where club president Massimo Abate personally reached out to bring him back.
At 35 years old, Yepes leaves Barcelona having maintained his professional reputation. He specifically thanked club officials Jordi Torras and Aureli Mas, and expressed his deep appreciation for the fans. Saying it had been an honor to represent the club’s colors.
The departure coincides with Barcelona’s ongoing team restructuring, which includes the return of players like Adolfo and Pito, and the anticipated arrival of Moroccan player Khalid Bouzid.
Yepes’s exit demonstrates the dynamic nature of professional futsal, where player movements are driven by performance, team strategy, and individual career considerations.