Jose Galan Joins CP Villarrobledo

This post has been updated to reflect a new post from Jose Galan himself.

Valour FC midfielder Jose Galan’s time is departing Winnipeg for the offseason: today, the 34-year-old journeyman midfielder has officially signed a one year contract with third division Spanish side CP Villarrobledo.

Hours after his announcement, the veteran midfielder told fans that he would be returning to Winnipeg in March 2021, ahead of the CPL’s third season. Still, his move appears to be a transfer as opposed to a loan, so the onus is likely on him to return come 2021.

When Rob Gale first brought in the veteran midfielder halfway through the club’s inaugural campaign, Galan enjoyed the long-term vision of the club and found himself excited by a chance to settle down after having played for no less than twenty clubs prior to his time with Valour FC.

The 34-year-old has made 18 appearances for the Winnipeg-based side in all, with his only goal coming in a four-nil victory over expansion side Atletico Ottawa at The Island Games. It’s clear he is viewed as a leadership figure in the dressing room, too.

He had originally joined the side on a multi-year contract, with the club confirming in February that he had been retained for the 2020 CPL season. At the moment, he departs as the oldest-ever player for a Canadian Premier League side which relied heavily on its youth in the latest season.

Valour FC has yet to release a statement regarding Galan, with the initial announcement from his new Spanish side indicating a one year contract despite Galan indicating he will return this March. Earlier this week, Valour FC made it known that it had already conducted its exit interviews. While the side showed a marked improvement at The Island Games, it remains to be seen how much of his core squad Rob Gale will be keeping for the 2021 season – especially given that two of its iron men arrived as loans from MLS sides.

Last season saw Valour FC’s player announcements lag far behind their players as well, with several players signing for other teams prior to the Winnipeg-based side announcing their departure. This year the inverse was also true, with Matthew Silva, Chakib Hocine, and Austin Ricci being known signings before they were announced, too.

Galan joins CP Villarrobledo on a one year deal, marking his first return to Spanish football since 2011. The well-travelled veteran had played in Spain, Thailand, Indonesia, Austria, Jordan, Cyprus, Romania, Finland, Andorra, Hong Kong, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia prior to his time in Canada.