In what was communicated by the Benidorm club, the team confirmed that the contract with the veteran Lithuanian handball player would not be renewed beyond its current term. The decision closes a chapter for a squad that has been actively reshaping its roster in recent months as it targets stronger results in both domestic and international competitions.
Rolandas Bernatonis, a 36-year-old international from Lithuania, joined TM Benidorm last season as a key reinforcement. While expectations ran high, a series of injuries limited his ability to impact games in the way the club had hoped. On the court, his scoring touch was evident: he tallied 42 goals in 23 appearances in the Asobal League and added 17 goals across the European arena during the EHF Europa League campaign. For Canadian and American observers following the sport, his numbers underscored a profile capable of explosive bursts but hampered by setbacks that prevented full conversion of talent into consistent performances.
In the opening rounds of the 2023-2024 season, TM Benidorm operated with a pragmatic approach to rotation as it claimed a victory away from home against Santander Auger, while Ademar León managed to secure a draw in front of their own fans. Bernatonis did not feature as part of the matchday plans under the leadership of the new coach, Sergio Carballeira, a sign that the coaching staff was evaluating the squad for early-season dynamics and long-term needs. The move reflects a broader strategy seen in North American markets where teams balance veteran experience with younger prospects in pursuit of a stable, productive core.
Draw at extreme points of TM Benidorm
EFE
With the decision to part ways finalized, Bernatonis has transitioned to seek opportunities elsewhere. The Lithuanian forward has joined Guadalajara Handball, competing in the Honor Division where the club is aiming to return to the top tier. The switch represents a bid for immediate game time and a new environment where his experience could contribute to a push for promotion and renewed competitiveness within the league structure.
From a North American perspective, this development highlights how experienced international players often migrate within European leagues to find roles that suit their evolving careers. Guadalajara Handball’s plan to challenge for promotion aligns with the ambitions shown by several clubs across the region that prioritize rapid, impactful rehabilitation of players returning from injury and a clear path to higher levels of play. The transfer also signals to scouts and agents in Canada and the United States that seasoned wings with proven scoring ability remain valuable assets as teams reconstitute rosters after the mid-season adjustments.
While Bernatonis moves on, TM Benidorm inherits a different balance up front. The club can focus on a lineup that blends emerging talents with seasoned professionals who can deliver in high-leverage moments. For fans in Canada and the United States, the reshaping of Benidorm’s roster serves as a reminder of how European clubs continually recalibrate in pursuit of domestic success and European competitiveness. Such dynamics also influence regional interest, broadcasting schedules, and the way fans in North America engage with the sport during international windows.
In the end, the exchange marks a mutual decision aimed at sharpening both parties’ outlooks for the season ahead. Bernatonis seeks a fresh environment where his skills can find a more consistent outlet, while Guadalajara Handball gains a proven scorer who can contribute to a critical campaign in the Honor Division and the pursuit of promotion to the Asobal League. The change adds another layer to the evolving balance of power in the league and offers observers a clearer view of how experience and opportunity intersect on the European handball map.