Malaga re-sign Carlos Dotor on loan from Celta Vigo for La Liga return
Synopsis
Malaga are rebuilding fast for La Liga with purpose — not just signings. Dotor's return is a vote of confidence from coach Funes in the spine that drove promotion, while Cruz and Calero add top-flight experience. After years in the wilderness, including a stint in Spain's third tier, Malaga's summer business suggests a club serious about staying up.
Key Takeaways
Carlos Dotor , 25, has rejoined Malaga on loan from Celta Vigo for a second consecutive season.
Dotor made 40 appearances last season, contributing 1 goal and 4 assists in Malaga's promotion campaign.
Winger Juan Cruz , 26, has also returned on a one-season loan from Leganes , with an option to buy.
Centre-back Fernando Calero arrived from Espanyol as Malaga's first summer signing.
Malaga sealed promotion with a 2-1 win at Almeria , returning to La Liga for the first time since 2018 .
Coach Juanfran Funes and midfielder Dani Lorenzo have both had their contracts extended.
Newly-promoted Malaga have secured the return of midfielder Carlos Dotor on a season-long loan from Celta Vigo — his second consecutive stint at the southern Spanish club — as they step up preparations for their La Liga comeback, the club confirmed on Tuesday, 21 July.
Why Dotor Was Always Coming Back
The 25-year-old was a cornerstone of Malaga's promotion campaign last season, making 40 appearances, scoring one goal, and registering four assists. His importance grew markedly after Juanfran Funes was appointed first-team coach in November 2025, and it was Funes who pushed to bring him back for the top-flight challenge ahead.
The club described Dotor as someone who 'arrived at Malaga a year ago and gave excellent performances last season and was vital in the historic promotion to La Liga.' He is expected to link up with the squad immediately for pre-season training.
Juan Cruz Also Returns to the Fold
Dotor's arrival follows the earlier confirmation of winger Juan Cruz, who rejoined Malaga on an initial one-season loan — with an option to buy — on Sunday. The 26-year-old Argentine-born player came through Malaga's youth academy before spells at Real Betis and Leganes. He impressed during Leganes' 2024-25 La Liga campaign but reportedly fell out of favour after a disagreement with the Madrid-based club, which subsequently struggled in Spain's second division.
Cruz is capable of operating on either flank and adds versatility to Malaga's attacking options. He is the club's second summer signing, after centre-back Fernando Calero arrived from Espanyol earlier in the week.
The Remarkable Funes Effect
Malaga's return to La Liga — their first since relegation in 2018 — is the culmination of a stunning turnaround under Funes, who was promoted from the club's B team in November 2025 when the side was threatened with another drop. He won 19 and drew 9 of his 33 games in charge, finishing fourth in the second division before defeating Las Palmas and Almeria in the playoffs. The decisive moment came with a 2-1 away victory at Almeria nine days ago, ending a period in which Malaga had sunk as low as Spain's third tier.
The club has since extended the contracts of both Funes and attacking midfielder Dani Lorenzo, signalling continuity at the heart of their La Liga project.
Building the La Liga Squad
With Dotor, Cruz, and Calero now on board, Malaga are assembling a squad that blends promotion-winning familiarity with fresh reinforcements. The challenge of re-establishing themselves in Spain's top flight after a seven-year absence will test both the squad's depth and Funes' tactical acumen across a full La Liga campaign.
Point of View
They are doubling down on the players who earned promotion. Bringing Dotor back on loan is low-risk and high-continuity — exactly what a newly-promoted side needs. The harder question is whether Celta Vigo's willingness to loan a 25-year-old for a second straight year reflects Dotor's standing at his parent club, and whether Malaga can eventually secure him permanently. Survival in La Liga after a seven-year absence — including a dip to the third tier — will require more than sentiment; it will demand squad depth that a loan-heavy window may not fully deliver.
NationPress
22 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Carlos Dotor and why has he rejoined Malaga?
Carlos Dotor is a 25-year-old midfielder on loan from Celta Vigo who played a key role in Malaga's promotion from the Spanish second division last season, making 40 appearances. Coach Juanfran Funes brought him back for Malaga's La Liga return given his influential performances during the promotion campaign.
What is Malaga's La Liga history and when were they last in the top flight?
Malaga were last in La Liga in 2018 before being relegated. They subsequently dropped as low as Spain's third tier before mounting a remarkable comeback under coach Juanfran Funes to win promotion via the playoffs in 2025.
Who else has Malaga signed this summer?
Malaga have made three signings so far: centre-back Fernando Calero from Espanyol, winger Juan Cruz on loan from Leganes, and midfielder Carlos Dotor on loan from Celta Vigo. The club has also extended contracts for coach Juanfran Funes and attacking midfielder Dani Lorenzo.
Who is Juan Cruz and what is his connection to Malaga?
Juan Cruz is a 26-year-old Argentine-born winger who came through Malaga's youth academy before spells at Real Betis and Leganes. He has returned on a one-season loan deal that includes an option to make the move permanent.
How did Juanfran Funes lead Malaga to promotion?
Funes was promoted from Malaga's B team in November 2025 when the club was battling relegation. He won 19 and drew 9 of his 33 games in charge, guiding the side to fourth in the second division before defeating Las Palmas and Almeria in the playoffs, with the title secured via a 2-1 win at Almeria.
