Jesús Owono Returns to FC Andorra on Loan from Alavés

FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono has spoken publicly about his loan return from Alavés, expressing excitement at rejoining a club where he feels at home and aims to deliver his peak performance.

The 25-year-old Equatorial Guinean, who arrived on a two-season deal with options for two more years, described the move as a return to a familiar and ambitious environment. Owono revealed that club leaders Jaume Nogués and Gerard Piqué had expressed interest in bringing him back even before his previous loan ended last season. Although he initially prioritized staying in Spain's top flight and began preseason with Alavés, he jumped at the chance when Andorra revived talks.

"I wanted the opportunity to compete for a spot, but it wasn't shaping up that way," Owono said. His agent alerted him to Andorra's renewed push, prompting a quick decision: "What are we waiting for? Let's go all in." Alavés, who hold his contract until 2029 and retain a future sale percentage, had chosen Adrián Rodríguez as backup to Antonio Sivera.

Owono seeks to build on his strong finish last term, when he became first choice from February 22 against Real Zaragoza, aiding a shift from relegation fight to play-off contention despite early competition from Áron Yaakobishvili. He now promises a fuller version of himself, including greater leadership and presence in the dressing room. "We'll finally see the complete Jesús, his prime in every aspect," he told club media. Leadership comes naturally, he added, emerging in his final matches last year.

He will compete with Pau López and captain Nico Ratti for the No. 1 role, maintaining a positive outlook regardless: "I'll contribute from wherever I'm needed, on the pitch, the bench, or anywhere." Owono praised the squad as "very healthy, strong, and young," still adapting to coach Carles Manso's ideas. Recent results—a 5-1 win over Ceuta and a 4-2 loss at Celta Fortuna after leading 2-0—highlight both potential and areas for growth, particularly defensive cohesion.

The goalkeeper shares the club's higher ambitions, urging a return to last season's competitive spirit: an aggressive team chasing victories in every match. Personally, he targets consistency, regularity, and effectiveness. "I'm very ambitious. We'll see how far we can go, but I believe I'm in the right place to fight for big things."

Andorra sit third in Segunda División after six games, with three points and a plus-seven goal difference. This is the club's 13th signing under Piqué's majority ownership. Developed in Alavés' youth system after starting at Antiguoko, Owono switched to goalkeeper post-injury, debuted in LaLiga in 2022, and has earned full caps for Equatorial Guinea since 2019, including two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. He has yet to train with the group.