Juan Cruz completes Real Oviedo’s tenth summer signing
Left-back Juan Cruz is now a Real Oviedo player. The 34-year-old Madrid native has signed a two-year deal with the Asturian club after six seasons at Osasuna. His arrival brings the club’s summer reinforcements to ten, and he arrives to replace Rahim, who was transferred to Italian side Bologna.
What does Juan Cruz bring to Real Oviedo?
Juan Cruz arrives at El Requexón with proven top-flight experience. Over six seasons at Osasuna, he made 142 appearances in Spain’s top tier, including 15 league matches last season -seven of them as a starter-. His profile as a left-back with attacking instincts and defensive solidity fits the project of an Oviedo side aiming to secure its place in LaLiga.
The ex-Osasuna player will compete for a starting spot. Manager Javi Rozada has already included him in training sessions, and he’ll face competition from Samu Rodríguez, another recent signing. The internal competition in Oviedo’s defensive line promises to be healthy ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Previous career: from Madrid to Pamplona via Elche
Before his time at Osasuna, Juan Cruz played for four Spanish clubs. He began at San Sebastián de los Reyes, then moved to Rayo Majadahonda and broke into Segunda with Elche. At Elche, he made 21 appearances in the second tier before joining Osasuna in 2020. His spell at Elche established him as a reliable left-back in Spanish professional football.
In Pamplona, he enjoyed his best years as a player. His consistency made him a key figure in Osasuna’s backline, though last season saw his playing time decrease. Now, at 34, he faces a new challenge at Real Oviedo, where he’ll aim to regain top-flight minutes.
What’s next for Real Oviedo?
Real Oviedo are gearing up for pre-season with ten summer signings. Among them are Pablo Sáenz, Youness, Jacobo González and Alexandru Isfan, alongside Juan Cruz. The goal is clear: secure their top-flight status with solidity and, if possible, aim for higher ambitions in the medium term.
Manager Javi Rozada’s side is already working on physical and tactical preparation ahead of the new LaLiga season. The addition of Juan Cruz strengthens a squad that aims to compete in the mid-table, with the experience of a player battle-hardened in Spain’s top flight as a key asset for the coach.
