What happened?

Ceuta confirmed on Tuesday the termination of right‑back Manu Sánchez's contract, as the player chose to leave after not fitting into manager José Juan Romero's plans for the upcoming season. The club released an official statement, also noting that the 1996‑born Osuna native had signed with Agrupación Deportiva Ceuta last summer following his spell at Levante UD.

Why did he leave?

Sánchez endured several injuries throughout the 2025‑26 campaign, logging only 117 minutes across five matches, two as a starter. Despite that, he managed to score a goal in matchday 31 against Leganés at Butarque stadium. Limited playing time and physical setbacks led Romero to exclude him from future plans, prompting the player to seek a fresh challenge.

What’s next for the player?

Close sources suggest he could sign within hours for Juventud Torremolinos, a Primera RFEF side that already added midfielder Cristian, a former Ceuta player. The Andalusian club is keen to bolster its defence, and Sánchez’s Segunda División experience would be a valuable asset.

How does this impact Ceuta?

Sánchez’s departure creates a vacancy on the right flank but also frees a wage slot for potential summer signings. Ceuta, currently 11th in Segunda División with 61 points, 17 wins, 10 draws and 15 losses from 42 games, aims to solidify its mid‑table position. With 51 goals scored and 63 conceded, the side holds a –12 goal difference and remains 21 points behind leaders Racing Santander in the promotion race.

Club’s statement

In its communiqué, AD Ceuta FC expressed its "most sincere gratitude to Manu Sánchez for his commitment, professionalism and dedication while wearing our colours" and wished him "the greatest success, both in his professional career and personal life, in the new challenges he will face from now on". The board stressed the decision was mutual and that the club will keep working to improve the squad for the remainder of the season.