Jimbee Cartagena’s exceptional season has elevated the value of their squad, leading to hefty renewals for their franchise players. Despite the departure of key players like Lucas Vinicius, Santana Brito, Lucão, and Javi Mínguez to Movistar Inter, Relief can exclusively confirm that Miguel Ángel Jiménez successfully secured the retention of Gabriel Rodrigues Motta.
The Italian-Brazilian left-wing has already committed to the team, signing a renewal with the melon squad. As the top scorer for Cartagena this season with 10 goals in the league, Motta has secured his position in the three-millennial city for the next two seasons, with an optional third. Though it took some time, Motta accepted the melonera proposal, rejecting interest from clubs in Italy, Russia, and Portugal. At 25, he has chosen to remain with the Spanish Super Cup champions. Entering his third campaign as a key player in the King’s Cup semi-finalist.
This renewal was a top priority for the sports manager, Eduardo Sao Thiago Lentz, known as Duda. Following Motta’s extension until 2026, the Spanish-Brazilian coach efficiently filled the gaps on the right wing with the acquisitions of Cortés (El Hidalgo Manzanares Cheeses) and Jonathan Linhares (Osasuna Magna). Losing the international azzurri and his left leg would have been a significant setback, considering Motta’s status as a differential player. Alongside Mellado, they form one of the best left-handed pairs in the Primera División.
The renewal of Motta has brought relief to Jimbee’s coaching staff and management, who are actively planning the future.
The continuity of Brazilian goalscorer Waltinho and the Cordoba native Rafael García Aguilera, Bebe, seem promising. However, uncertainty looms over the captain, Jesús Izquierdo, as discussions about his renewal have just begun. The fate of the closure of Campos del Río, who has defended Jimbee colors for nine seasons, remains one of the club’s great unknowns.
Decisions also need to be made regarding players like Gonzalo Castejón, signed last season and loaned to Family Cash Alzira. The 25-year-old Valencian left-wing is expected to be part of Jimbee Cartagena next season. Additionally, the young Brazilian Hugo de Souza Bordim, Huguinho (21), has impressed at the Córdoba World Heritage Site and may find a place in the Cartagena squad next summer.
However, challenges persist for the team, as player Javi Mínguez suffered a hamstring tear in his right leg just before the Mallorca Palma Futsal match. There is concern that he may miss the Spanish Cup scheduled in Cartagena from March 21 to 24. Where, for the second consecutive year, they will face ElPozo Murcia in the quarterfinals on Friday, March 22. It is worth noting that, three weeks before this crucial event in Spanish futsal, the RFEF has not yet made match schedules public or put season tickets and tickets on sale.
