Key Takeaways:
- Sevilla confirmed the signing of 36-year-old Cesar Azpilicueta on a one-year deal after his departure from Atletico Madrid this summer
- The veteran defender rejected offers from Osasuna, Celta, MLS, and Qatar prior to finalising his move to the Andalusian side
- Last season, Azpilicueta was limited to 20 La Liga appearances due to a muscular injury during his final year at Atletico Madrid
Sevilla Secure Azpilicueta on Free Transfer
Sevilla have announced the acquisition of Cesar Azpilicueta on a free transfer following his exit from Atletico Madrid at the end of his contract. The experienced Spanish defender, who previously captained Chelsea, arrived in Seville earlier today to undergo his medical and complete formalities surrounding the move. Azpilicueta, aged 36, has signed a one-year contract as the club looks to strengthen its defensive line-up.
🚨🔴⚪️ Cesar Azpilicueta, new Sevilla player on free transfer after leaving Atléti!
He’s just landed for medical and contract signing at the club. 🇪🇸🛬 pic.twitter.com/SXoiyZup1e
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 29, 2025
Player Profile: Azpilicueta’s Career and Recent Struggles
Azpilicueta leaves Atletico Madrid after two seasons, during which he accumulated 54 appearances across all competitions. Despite a promising start, injuries impacted his previous campaign—most notably a muscular issue which restricted him to just 20 La Liga matches and 10 starts in the most recent season. This curtailed involvement ultimately resulted in Atletico choosing not to extend his stay.
| Club | Seasons | Total Appearances | La Liga Matches (Last Season) | La Liga Starts (Last Season) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atletico Madrid | 2 | 54 | 20 | 10 |
Strategic Move for Both Player and Club
In making the switch to Sevilla, Azpilicueta turned down interest from Osasuna—his boyhood club—as well as Celta, alongside offers from the MLS and Qatar. The Andalusian side, who have found themselves mired in early-season trouble after losing their opening two league matches and narrowly escaping relegation with a 17th-place finish last term, will be hopeful that his leadership can provide much-needed stability at the back.
Next Steps: Debut and Integration
With the defender completing all necessary medical and contractual requirements, Sevilla are set to officially unveil Azpilicueta as part of their first-team set-up. His immediate objective will be to help lift the club out of the bottom three and bring an experienced presence to a side desperate for points. The former Spain international is anticipated to be available for selection in Sevilla’s upcoming fixture, offering fans an early opportunity to see their new signing in action.
