Tsygankov presses Girona and Espanyol steps away from the race

RCD Espanyol

The situation has changed quickly. According to information attributed to Diego Picó, Tsygankov would have requested his release letter from the Girona in order to join another club without a transfer fee. The player believes that certain promises made by the club have not been fulfilled and is looking for an exit after the team's relegation with the Catalan side to Segunda División. His intention would be to keep competing in LaLiga.

Girona's response, for now, is not in that direction. The club has a contract with the Ukrainian international until June 2027 and does not want to give up one of its most important assets for free. The initial figure was around 20 million euros, although the lack of buyers would have led them to lower their demands to about 10 million.

Espanyol steps away from a very complex operation

Meanwhile, Javier de Haro explained on his Twitch channel that the Espanyol no longer considers signing Tsygankov. The forward's name had gained momentum over the last few days and even a meeting between his camp and Blanquiazul representatives had been discussed, with the player open to staying in Catalonia. That route, however, would now be ruled out from the Espanyol side.

The deal was never easy for the club's options. Tsygankov has experience in LaLiga, a big profile, and a high salary, close to 3.5 million euros, figures that are hard to fit for a sporting directorate that must allocate its resources. Monchi needs room for several positions, with the centre-back as the priority and the arrival of a winger still pending.

The only way for Espanyol to move in with more force would have been a very favorable scenario: a significant reduction from Girona or the player's free exit. Neither of the two options seems sufficiently on track right now to keep the operation open. The club prefers to look at alternatives that better match its financial reality.

Valencia and Sevilla would, meanwhile, be watching what happens with the forward. Both clubs would have told his agent that they would consider his signing if he manages to become a free agent. The key lies in the entry cost: taking on a high wage could be feasible without a transfer, but paying an additional amount close to ten million completely changes the terms.