Real Oviedo have strengthened their attack with the signing of experienced forward José Luis Morales. The 39-year-old, nicknamed 'El Comandante', joins on a free transfer to address the team's offensive woes following a heavy 4-1 defeat to Eldense last time out.
The club, sitting 10th in the Segunda División with 11 points, sought an immediate solution after the departures of Chris Ramos and Carlos Fernández. Morales, who arrives with no serious injury history, brings a versatility that head coach Julián Calero knew well from their time together at Levante, where they achieved promotion to the top flight. The deal has been closed with a contract until the end of the season, a formula the club considers low-risk with high performance potential.
Career and qualities
José Luis Morales arrives at the Carlos Tartiere with over twenty years of career behind him. His most notable spell was at Levante, where he became the club's all-time top scorer with 83 goals in 377 appearances. The Madrid-born forward, who prefers to play as a reference striker, can also operate on the wings or as an attacking midfielder, standing out for his mobility, tactical intelligence, and ability to find space. Morales has been capped once by the Spanish national team.
The Calero connection
The relationship with Julián Calero was key to completing the deal. The Oviedo manager, who previously coached Morales at Levante, convinced him to join the promotion project. "Morales is a top professional," analyst Pedro Zamora commented, adding that "for the Segunda División, Morales is more than adequate." His arrival aims to provide more tactical options for a team whose recent form has been inconsistent, with two wins, one draw, and two defeats in their last five matches. The board trusts that his experience and goalscoring ability will provide leadership on and off the pitch to a young squad.
The forward is already in Oviedo and could make his debut next Saturday, October 12th, when Real Oviedo host league leaders Eibar at the Tartiere. With eight goals scored and eight conceded, the club's objective is to stabilise their attacking play and push for the promotion spots, a task for which Morales's experience will be key. His first training session with the squad is scheduled for this Tuesday. The club has left the door open to sign another forward in the winter market if the sporting situation requires it.
The original report is at cope.es
Forward José Luis Morales was presented by the club this Monday. The 39-year-old player stated he arrives "to help the team from the first moment". Morales clarified that manager Julián Calero did not call directly for the signing, which was initiated last week. Oviedo, tenth with 11 points, hosts leaders Eibar this Monday. Morales feels ready after training alone since June.
