Espanyol rules out Pickel for next season

RCD Espanyol

The future of Charles Pickel is not included in the sports planning of Espanyol. The 29-year-old footballer had signed a one-year contract with an option for another, but that extension until 2027 will not be activated.

The possibility of extending the contract existed through two paths. One was by reaching a specific number of matches, something that already seemed very unlikely in December. The other depended on a voluntary decision by the Espanyol club, which could have paid 150,000 euros to keep the midfielder for one more season. That amount was the same as what would have triggered the automatic renewal if the agreed conditions had been met.

A period marked by lack of space

Pickel arrived in Barcelona from Cremonese, where he had played over 100 matches in three seasons. However, at the white-and-blue team, he failed to establish himself in Manolo González’s plans, who had players like Urko González de Zárate, Pol Lozano, and Edu Expósito ahead of him in his position.

This lack of fit led the coach, recently confirmed by Monchi until 2027, to use him in more advanced roles, almost as a second striker, intending to strengthen the high press. His season was also affected by the two consecutive red cards he received against Elche and Mallorca.

Pickel will leave Espanyol with 856 minutes played across 26 matches. Despite his limited sporting role, his time at the club leaves the impression that he was a very well-regarded person within the locker room.