Lucas Vázquez reaches agreement to return to Espanyol after ten years at Real Madrid
Veteran defender reaches agreement with former club and prepares for emotional comeback
After ten years at Real Madrid, Lucas Vázquez is on the verge of returning to Espanyol, the club he briefly played for during the 2014–15 season. According to multiple Spanish outlets, including Defensa Central and Estadio Deportivo, the 34-year-old has agreed to personal terms, and the deal is expected to be made official in the coming days.
Vázquez Returns to Where It All Began
Vázquez, now in the twilight of his career, is expected to lead Espanyol’s dressing room under coach Manolo González, providing experience and leadership to a youthful squad. He will also take on a mentorship role, particularly for Omar El Hilali, the 21-year-old Moroccan right-back who has impressed in recent seasons.
While contract details have yet to be disclosed, the veteran full-back is reportedly eager to close out his career in Catalonia where he made 39 appearances, scored four goals, and contributed seven assists during his first stint with the club.
A Difficult Final Chapter at Real Madrid
Vázquez’s final season at the Santiago Bernabéu was marked by both personal prominence and team disappointment. Injuries in the squad, particularly to Dani Carvajal, opened the door for Vázquez to reclaim the right-back position and even captain the side on several occasions.
Despite playing 53 matches and registering 2 goals and 8 assists across 3,357 minutes, Real Madrid endured a trophyless season, falling behind rivals Barcelona and crashing out of key competitions. It was a bitter ending to an otherwise illustrious chapter at one of the world’s biggest clubs.
New Number, New Challenge
Back at Espanyol, Vázquez is expected to wear the number 18 shirt, as number 17 is currently held by Jofre Carreras. The former academy graduate returns not just as a player but as a symbol of ambition for a club aiming to stabilize in La Liga.
