Ian Mackay arrives as Eldense seals goalkeeper reinforcement
After days of uncertainty about the third goalkeeper, CD Eldense moves forward with Ian Mackay joining on a free transfer following the contract termination on January 10. He has signed with the Barça team for the remainder of the season, with a few details still to be finalized before his formal establishment. Mackay, 37, hails from A Coruna and stands 1.81 meters tall. He had been without a club in Galicia for two and a half seasons. In recent times he rose through the ranks to become a notable presence in the Second Division discussions and now prepares to prove himself as Deportivo could rely on him between the posts.
As the drama unfolds at Mirandés, the sports management led by Manu Guill sees the need to reinforce the goalkeeping department. With Aceves and Vallejo competing for duties, Eldense contemplates the possible call of a Real Valladolid loaned keeper in March, turning reinforcements into a top priority for the squad.
Mackay’s arrival is the final piece of the puzzle. The option to bring in a goalkeeper with extensive experience is weighed against the current options and the long season ahead. The veteran from Galicia would bring steadiness and a tested hands-on approach to the blue and white ranks, aiming to stabilize the defense and help the team maintain its aspirations in the league.
Juanto’s revival and Soberón’s strong debut in the Second
In the first season and a half in the RFEF, the Galicia club benefited from solid goalkeeping during crucial moments that kept promotion dreams within reach. A playoff final loss to Albacete left room for reflection. The following season featured a dramatic playoff semi from Castellón, marked by two odd errors, a red card, and a late penalty that tilted the tie in favor of the opponents. The sequence weighed on the goalkeeper’s form and contributed to a gradual decline over the campaign.
This season has seen five appearances in the bronze tier of Spanish football during October and November. A notable shift occurred when a new goalkeeper arrived at Deportivo, signaling the end of the previous arrangement and opening the door for Mackay to be considered as a reliable option for the squad.
A proven hand steadies the goal line
Today marks a difficult day for a player who carried the captain’s armband and the dreams of Depor since childhood. The emotional farewell came after a tough period that followed the Castellón setback. The goalkeeper expressed pride in his long service to the club and apologized to teammates and supporters for the errors that affected the season. His legacy as a Depor youth product remains a significant chapter of the club’s history.
Mackay is praised for sharp reflexes between the posts, though his aerial exits and ball handling with his feet have been flagged as areas to refine. Despite not being at peak form, he brings a high level of competence and will present a challenging test for the Barça goalkeepers.
A long professional journey
The goalkeeper’s career started in youth ranks and took him across several clubs. His first away move came in 2006 to Ceuta, followed by a stint at the University of Oviedo in the Second B. He later played for Vecindario, Ciudad de Santiago, and Ponferradina, achieving promotion to the Second Division in 09/10. His path also included spells at Sabadell, Atletico Baleares, Ferrol Racing, and a return to Murcia before rejoining Sabadell. A second promotion to the silver division arrived in 19/20.
Although his name has been linked with the best keepers in the division, sustained permanence with the Catalan club proved elusive. Fifteen years later he returned to A Coruna, stepping into the twilight of a storied career. Now he joins Eldense ready to bring experience and knowledge to help secure a place in the league after a long professional arc.
With Mackay’s arrival, Eldense closes the winter transfer window with three new faces: Nacho Monsalve, Mo Dauda, and Mackay. Departures include Salcedo, Miguel Marí, Arnau Ortiz, and Zubiaurre, while Cris Montes is extended through 2026. The squad consolidates its plans for the rest of the season as the battle for league safety continues.