FC Andorra Unveils Lautaro Spatz as Key Defender Amid Injury Crisis

Lautaro Spatz, the 24-year-old Argentine centre-back, was presented as FC Andorra's new signing on Tuesday, positioning him as a key option for the defence ahead of Saturday's league opener against Ceuta.

His arrival gains added urgency following the serious injury to Gael Alonso, who underwent surgery for a tibial malleolus fracture and faces four to five months sidelined. With limited central defenders available, Spatz could step into a starting role if coach Carles Manso decides. "If they need me to start, I'll be ready. If it's from the bench, that's fine too," the player said, expressing regret over Alonso's absence while aspiring to fill some of his leadership void from last season.

Spatz highlighted a personal call from Gerard Piqué—one of his childhood idols alongside Nicolás Otamendi, Cristian Romero, Carles Puyol and Javier Mascherano—as a tipping point. "Imagine your idol, a centre-back like you, calling to sign you for Andorra. That swung the balance," he noted. The club's demonstrated eagerness also proved decisive. "They showed they truly wanted me as an important piece, which matters more than a bigger name or history," Spatz added.

Despite joining later than planned after an extended pre-season with Villarreal's first team—delayed by late returns from the World Cup—he views the experience positively. "I'd have liked to arrive sooner, but what I gained there helped," he said. The defender, who played 31 matches for Villarreal B last season with three goals and one assist, feels his pace, duel-winning ability and comfort defending in open spaces align with Andorra's high-line system.

Spatz, on a two-year deal with an option for a third, described a swift adaptation to a young, welcoming squad reminiscent of his time at Villarreal B. He sees the move to Spain's Segunda División as a career milestone after Primera Federación, with Primera División as a long-term goal.