Angelino returns to Deportivo La Coruna on loan from Roma
Synopsis
More than a decade after leaving as a teenager, Angelino is back at Deportivo La Coruna — the club that shaped him. The 29-year-old arrives on loan from Roma as Deportivo prepare for their La Liga return, with a permanent option attached. It is the kind of full-circle story that rarely goes to plan, but Deportivo are betting sentiment and quality can coexist.
Key Takeaways
Angelino (Jose Angel Esmoris), 29 , has joined Deportivo La Coruna on a season-long loan from Roma .
The deal includes an option for Deportivo to make the transfer permanent after the 2026-27 season .
Angelino came through Deportivo's youth academy before leaving for Manchester City early in his career.
His career has spanned PSV Eindhoven , RB Leipzig , and Roma , among other clubs across Europe.
Deportivo secured promotion to La Liga by finishing second in Spain's Segunda Division last season.
Spanish left-back Angelino, full name Jose Angel Esmoris, has completed a season-long loan move from Serie A club Roma to newly-promoted La Liga side Deportivo La Coruna — the club where he first learned the game. The 29-year-old rejoins Deportivo ahead of the 2026-27 La Liga season, more than a decade after leaving the Galician club's youth academy to pursue a career across Europe's top divisions.
A Homecoming Years in the Making
Deportivo marked the signing with an emotional statement, describing it as the fulfilment of a long-held ambition for both player and club. 'After playing in some of the most important venues in European football, Angelino returns home. To the city and the badge with which he took his first steps,' the club said.
The club also underscored the personal dimension of the deal: 'Beyond the numbers and the clubs where he has shone, there is one aspect that makes this signing very special: the return of a Deportivo fan who never hid his desire to one day wear the first team shirt. Now that shared dream is becoming a reality,' Deportivo added.
Loan Terms and Purchase Option
The agreement is structured as a season-long loan from Roma, with Deportivo holding an option to make the transfer permanent at the conclusion of the 2026-27 season. The option clause gives the Galician club flexibility as they assess their finances and Angelino's impact in their top-flight return.
A Career Built Across Europe
Angelino's professional journey began at Manchester City, the club he joined after leaving Deportivo's academy. He gathered experience through loan stints at New York City FC, Mallorca, NAC Breda, and Girona before finding consistent form at PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands. He subsequently established himself as an attack-minded, technically assured left-back during successful spells with RB Leipzig in Germany and Roma in Italy.
What Angelino Brings to Deportivo
His arrival injects top-level European experience into a Deportivo squad preparing for life back in La Liga after the club secured promotion by finishing second in Spain's Segunda Division last season. Known for his crossing ability and forward runs from deep, Angelino fits the profile of a modern attacking full-back — a quality Deportivo will need as they compete against established La Liga sides.
With the new season fast approaching, Deportivo's management will be hoping this sentimental signing also delivers on the pitch, providing both leadership and quality as the club re-establishes itself at Spain's highest level.
Point of View
With a career that has peaked and plateaued across multiple leagues; the question is not whether he loves Deportivo, but whether a loan structure with a purchase option gives the club genuine leverage or merely defers a difficult financial decision. Deportivo's La Liga return will be defined by squad depth and defensive solidity, not nostalgia. If Angelino's attacking instincts come at the cost of defensive discipline — a long-standing critique at RB Leipzig — the homecoming story could sour quickly.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Angelino and why is his move to Deportivo significant?
Angelino, full name Jose Angel Esmoris, is a 29-year-old Spanish left-back who came through Deportivo La Coruna's youth academy before building a career across Europe. His loan return from Roma is significant because it reunites him with the club where he began playing football, ahead of Deportivo's return to La Liga.
What are the terms of Angelino's loan deal?
Angelino has joined Deportivo La Coruna on a season-long loan from Roma for the 2026-27 season. The agreement includes an option for Deportivo to make the transfer permanent at the end of the season.
Which clubs has Angelino played for before joining Deportivo?
After leaving Deportivo's academy, Angelino joined Manchester City and went on loan to New York City FC, Mallorca, NAC Breda, and Girona. He later established himself at PSV Eindhoven, RB Leipzig, and Roma.
Why did Deportivo La Coruna sign Angelino?
Deportivo signed Angelino to add experienced, top-level European quality to their squad as they prepare for the 2026-27 La Liga season following promotion from the Segunda Division. His technical ability and attacking play from left-back are seen as assets for the newly-promoted side.
How did Deportivo La Coruna earn promotion to La Liga?
Deportivo La Coruna secured promotion to La Liga by finishing second in Spain's Segunda Division last season, ending their absence from the top flight.
