Mexican group Orlegi officially acquires Sporting de Gijón
Madrid’s Calle de Goya, number 61, becomes the backdrop for a historic moment. The notary Celso Méndez Ureña witnessed the signing that signaled the end of a long negotiating chapter and the start of a new era for Sporting. The process began in the morning and unfolded in stages, with legal formalities clearing the way for a complete ownership transfer. By mid-afternoon, Orlegi Group publicly announced its acquisition, marking a turning point for the club and its supporters. The official steps, though lengthy, concluded with a clear message: Sporting would enter a new chapter under new ownership.
Orlegi moved quickly to cement its control by taking a majority stake previously held by Javier Fernández. The agreement covered 73 percent of the club’s stock, a €43 million deal that reflects decades of ties between the Fernández family and the rojiblanco foundation. In the release, Orlegi expressed a strong commitment to unlocking the club’s full potential on and off the pitch, including the academy network that has long fed talent to the first team. Gratitude was extended to Javier Fernández for his dedication and contributions to Sporting’s development.
Earlier in the day, the legal teams from both sides gave their consent. The transformation on Calle de Goya was completed as both parties stepped into the spotlight. The moment showcased the new leadership: Javier Fernández, recognized as a principal figure in the club’s history, stood alongside Alejandro Irarragorri, the incoming Sporting president. The scene of two eras colliding—one grounded in local history, the other driven by a global sports investment group—captured the attention of fans and media alike.
The signing and its surrounding events were not isolated; they were the culmination of months of negotiations that began in March. As the sale materials began circulating online, the club’s communications team prepared to introduce Sporting to the Orlegi family, with the aim of presenting a unified, forward-looking plan. The day concluded with discussions about the next steps and the timeline for a formal public presentation of the new ownership structure.
The broader context included a season marked by instability and the risk of relegation, which intensified the sense of urgency around the deal. With Zaragoza still in the mix for further expansion, Orlegi’s leaders outlined a vision for Sporting’s growth across European markets. The planned organizational structure featured Alejandro Irarragorri as chairman of the board, with Alfonso Villalva and Martin Hollaender guiding the operation. David Guerra was named chief executive officer, Gerardo García as sports director, and José María Segovia Cañadas serving as secretary. The aim was to accelerate the implementation of advanced development methods across the club, including recruitment, training facilities, and competitive strategies.
In Gijón, the new owners began shaping relationships with local authorities. A visit last Friday to meet with Mayor Ana González included discussions about the future use of El Molinón and Mareo, the municipal football school, and potential property arrangements. The tone of the dialogue emphasized collaboration and community integration. After the meeting at the town hall, Irarragorri spoke with La Nueva España, describing the exchange as constructive and promising, before a stroll along the marina and the San Lorenzo Wall promenade underscored the new era quietly emerging in the city. The evolving slogan win by serving began to echo in the halls of the town hall as well, signaling a philosophy that would guide Sporting under its new ownership.