Real Racing Club Santander Fantasy Guide 2026/27: squad, likely starting XI and recommended players

SERGIO ARMADA
Fantasy LaLiga expert
4 HOURS AGO / 12 min read

The Fantasy guides for LaLiga are back. We analyze the Real Racing Club Santander squad for the 2026/27 season: signings, departures, a possible starting XI, the role of each player, set-piece takers, and recommended players. A useful guide for Comunio, Biwenger, LaLiga Fantasy, Mister, Futmondo and other fantasy games.

Real Racing Club Santander Fantasy Guide 2026/27: squad, likely starting XI and recommended players

Goal for the 2026/27 season

The Racing de Santander return to LaLiga EA Sports fourteen years later with a very clear objective: to achieve survival. The team coached by José Alberto will play its 45.ª season in the top flight of Spanish football, a historic return that brings the club back to the place its fans have been dreaming of seeing it for years. The promotion came after a brilliant campaign in which the Racing stood out for its offensive approach, a very vertical and brave style of play that allowed it to compete head-to-head with any opponent. However, that gamble also came with a price: after earning promotion, the team became the most conceded in the club's history, an issue it will need to fix if it is to have a chance of establishing itself in LaLiga.

The transfer market will be decisive for the Racing's ambitions. As of today, the squad is still far from being finalized, and it needs reinforcements in every line to raise the competitive level and return to the top flight with guarantees.

The Cantabrian side will only play LaLiga EA Sports and the Copa del Rey, so once the market closes, José Alberto should have a fairly defined core with few rotations. In Fantasy terms, it will be important to keep a close eye on the moves in the coming weeks, since the Racing is, as of now, one of the teams with the biggest margin for changes compared to the squad that won promotion.

Signings and new faces

The Racing de Santander return to the Primera División with a squad that is still very much under construction.

Canales
5.680.000€+40.000€ -

is undoubtedly the star signing of the summer. The midfielder returns to the club where he was formed after completing a great spell at Monterrey in Mexico, where he once again proved his enormous quality, his game vision, and his ability to make a difference in the final stretch. His LaLiga experience and leadership make him one of the key references for the Racing and one of the most interesting players for Fantasy. In addition, everything points to him being one of the men in charge of taking set pieces.

Villalibre
3.140.000€+270.000€ 1

will continue to defend the green-and-white shirt after the Racing exercised the purchase option agreed with Deportivo Alavés. The forward was an important piece in the promotion and now faces the challenge of proving he can also be decisive in the top flight. If he manages to keep his starting spot, he could become an interesting alternative thanks to his goal-scoring ability.

Facu González
1.360.000€-30.000€ -

will continue to be part of the Racing back line after the purchase option agreed with Juventus becomes effective. The Uruguayan center-back showed commitment and dedication during the last campaign, although he failed to establish himself as an undisputed starter. In a season with higher demands, he will have to earn his place and convince José Alberto that he can be an important piece in the defense, so as of today, he does not come across as a sure bet for Fantasy.

Zabiri
500.000€ -

Arrives on loan from Stade Rennais FC, with the aim of adding minutes in LaLiga, and could be an extremely interesting option with plenty of room for growth.

The Racing add a forward with talent and potential to increase competition in attack.

Despite these additions, the Racing continues to be one of the teams that could make the most moves before the transfer window closes, so it will be essential to keep an eye on the coming weeks to assess the squad's true Fantasy potential.

Important departures

The Racing have suffered seven exits compared to the squad that won promotion.

Jokin Ezkieta, Mario García, Javi Castro,Marco Sangalli,Yeray and Damián Rodríguez.

As for possible departures, everything points to Gustavo Puerta not staying in Santander. The Colombian midfielder was one of the pillars of the promotion thanks to his quality, his ball control and his ability to direct the team's play.

Another name to watch is Jorge Salinas. The young full-back was one of the big revelations of the previous season, and his excellent performances have sparked interest from several clubs. If he ultimately leaves the Racing, the Cantabrian side would lose one of its most promising players and one of its main sources of depth down the left flank.

Goalkeepers in Fantasy terms

Eriksson
2.230.000€-30.000€ -

@3@

Goalkeeper signed last season. He is a young goalkeeper with no experience in the top category, who arrived as a long-term bet. In the previous campaign he barely had a role until the final stretch, when injuries to the starting goalkeeper gave him some minutes. His performance was fine, but he is still developing. His role will most likely be as the backup goalkeeper. With the arrival of a starter, he will become the second option.

Defenders in Fantasy terms

Facu González
1.360.000€-30.000€ -

@3@

The lack of reinforcements in that position gives him serious options to start the season as a starter, although his situation could change if the club brings in another center-back before the transfer window closes.

Last campaign left mixed feelings, alternating solid performances with mistakes that made him lose consistency. To establish himself as a starter in the top flight, he will need to take a step forward in terms of regularity, concentration and defensive reliability. A bet with some risk. He could provide a good number of minutes at the start of the season, but his continuity will depend on the club's moves in the market.

Jorge Salinas
1.810.000€+60.000€ -

@1@

Left-back with huge potential and one of the big revelations of the Racing last season. His strong performances have not gone unnoticed, and he faces the summer with an uncertain future, as he has several offers on the table. If he finally stays in Santander, he will start as the clear favorite to occupy the left-back spot. His main Fantasy mystery is not his performance, but the possibility that he ends up being sold before the window closes.

Mantilla
1.410.000€-50.000€ -

@2@

Right-back and a reference point for Racing after a great season in which he was an undisputed starter. His physical power, defensive intensity and ability to cover the entire flank make him a very valuable profile within the system of the Asturian coach.

The only thing that raises doubts is his recent record of muscle problems, which made him miss some matches last course. As of today, he does not have a direct guaranteed competitor, although Racing continues to look to strengthen the squad. If a right-back of level arrives, Mantilla could shift to a more rotation-oriented role, especially to manage his physical load during the season.

Manu Hernando
520.000€-10.000€ -

@2@

He starts as one of the pillars of the Racing defense. After completing a very consistent season and establishing himself as the team's best center-back, he enters the new campaign with the label of an undisputed starter. As of today, he does not have a real competitor for his spot, since the club still needs to reinforce the defensive line.

Midfielders in Fantasy terms

Canales
5.680.000€+40.000€ -

@1@

At 35 years old, he returns to Spanish football to become the team's main reference. He starts as an undisputed starter, and everything points to him being the man in charge of directing the attacking play. In addition, he is the main candidate to take free kicks, corners and penalties, which multiplies his appeal in Fantasy terms.
The only uncertainty is physical. Even though Canales himself says he is in great shape, it remains to be seen whether he can maintain a rhythm that will allow him to play the 90 minutes regularly in a competition as demanding as LaLiga.

Íñigo Vicente
5.560.000€-20.000€ -

@1@

After an extraordinary season, in which he once again proved his enormous quality and established himself as LaLiga Hypermotion's all-time top assister, he approaches the campaign with a leading role. He was also one of the key architects of the promotion, signing a campaign of a very high level with 9 goals and 21 assists in the league. He starts as a regular starter whenever he is available.

Gustavo Puerta
3.020.000€+330.000€ -

@4@

Everything points to him not continuing at Racing, so his departure looks very likely. His exit would be a major loss after he was one of the team's pillars last season, providing balance, recovery and an outlet with the ball. If he were to stay, he would be an undisputed starter, with plenty of minutes and little competition in his position. A great option if he stays, but while his future is not resolved, he is a risky signing.

Sainz-Maza
230.000€-20.000€ -

@3@

His prominence dropped significantly last season, and everything points to him again having a secondary role in the top flight. He will bring experience, leadership and weight in the dressing room as captain, but he starts behind several midfielders in the rotation. Unless there are major changes to the squad or injuries, his chances of being a starter are limited, and he is expected to play few minutes. In Fantasy terms, it is not a recommended bet due to his low likelihood of involvement.

Maguette Gueye
920.000€+60.000€ -

@3@

Last season was clearly a case of going from less to more, finishing the campaign with better feelings and earning an important role. He starts with options to fight for a starting spot, although he will face competition and his place will depend on his performance. He is expected to get minutes if he maintains the progress he showed.

Suleiman Camara
370.000€-20.000€ -

@4@

Everything points to him leaving Racing this summer, with several LaLiga Hypermotion clubs interested in his services. If he stays, he would have a very secondary role and few chances of entering the rotation, so his minutes would be very limited. In Fantasy terms, it is not a recommended bet until his future is resolved, although his value could increase if he finds a destination where he has continuity.

Forwards in Fantasy terms

Villalibre
3.140.000€+270.000€ 1

@3@

A forward with a patchwork role in the squad. He starts behind other options for the position, and his starting spot will depend on injuries, rotations or system changes. He is expected to get minutes sporadically, coming off the bench or in specific matches. In Fantasy terms, it is a low-interest bet, recommended only as a very budget-friendly option to round out the squad, since his involvement should be limited.

Andrés Martín
5.230.000€+110.000€ -

@2@

After a great season, in which he stood out for his finishing in front of goal and his strong scoring record, he has plenty of chances to be a starter. His ability to make a difference in the final third makes him an important piece in the attack, although he will face competition in a position with several alternatives. If he maintains the level he showed last season, he should rack up plenty of minutes. Very recommended player, with good potential for goals and high points.

Guliashvili
680.000€ -

@3@

He was an excellent patch last season, delivering strong performances when he got opportunities. In principle he will start with a secondary role, although he can gain more prominence as the campaign progresses. He will have competition for a spot in the attack, so his minutes will depend on his performance and the fitness of his rivals. In Fantasy terms, he is an interesting option as a squad-depth player or patch, with the ability to contribute if he gets continuity.

Juan Carlos Arana
570.000€-130.000€ -

@1@

A high-quality forward, quick in his runs and very smart at finding spaces inside the box. Last season was practically defined by an injury, which prevented him from showing his best version. If he starts the season 100% physically, he is the main candidate to be the starting forward. He is expected to play many minutes if injuries spare him, and given his qualities and goal-scoring ability, he is a very interesting Fantasy bet, with the potential to become one of the team's main attacking references.

Zabiri
500.000€ -

@1@

Yassir Zabiri is a forward with great potential and plenty of room for growth. He stands out for his speed, mobility and ability to attack spaces, and he also has a good eye for goal. If he manages to adapt quickly and gets minutes, he has the conditions to become one of the Racing's revelations this season.

Balón parado del Real Racing Club Santander

Set pieces have fundamental value in fantasy games, especially in those that use objective statistics. We analyze the team's main set-piece takers.

Penalties

The first person in charge of penalty kicks would be

Canales
5.680.000€+40.000€ -

, while the second alternative would be

Andrés Martín
5.230.000€+110.000€ -

Free kicks

The main takers of free kicks would be

Canales
5.680.000€+40.000€ -

and

Íñigo Vicente
5.560.000€-20.000€ -

Corners

Corner kicks would be shared mainly between

Canales
5.680.000€+40.000€ -

and

Íñigo Vicente
5.560.000€-20.000€ -

Jugadores del Real Racing Club Santander para especular

Speculation is especially important during pre-season, when some players can experience major increases in value. We pick the players with the greatest potential to generate benefits in the fantasy market.

Jorge Salinas
1.810.000€+60.000€ -

Manu Hernando
520.000€-10.000€ -

Canales
5.680.000€+40.000€ -

Íñigo Vicente
5.560.000€-20.000€ -

Juan Carlos Arana
570.000€-130.000€ -

Nos mojamos con 3 posibles sorpresas y decepciones.

A new feature this season: in this section we put our necks on the line about 3 players who could cause trouble this season, and another 3 about whom we have doubts and a lot.

3 POSSIBLE SURPRISES

Manu Hernando
520.000€-10.000€ -

A very reliable and consistent center-back, solid in defense and good in the air. He brings security to the back line and, if he keeps his starting spot, he is a highly recommended option for Fantasy thanks to his minutes and consistency.

Íñigo Vicente
5.560.000€-20.000€ -

is a standout player thanks to his enormous technical quality, game vision and ability to create goal-scoring chances. His one-on-one imbalance, his final pass and his creativity make him an attacking leader for the team.

Juan Carlos Arana
570.000€-130.000€ -

is a fast, intelligent forward with a great eye for goal. He stands out for his ability to attack spaces, his mobility and his finishing in the box. If injuries spare him, he has the conditions to be one of the team's most important attacking references.

3 POSSIBLE DISAPPOINTMENTS

Suleiman Camara
370.000€-20.000€ -

He has few chances of keeping a place in the starting XI due to strong competition and the expectation of a secondary role. In addition, a possible transfer to another LaLiga Hypermotion club could further reduce his prominence, making him a not very recommended Fantasy bet.

Sainz-Maza
230.000€-20.000€ -

There is no sign that he will be able to enjoy enough minutes this year unless his teammates get injured.

Eriksson
2.230.000€-30.000€ -

Despite being the only goalkeeper in the squad for now, unless something strange happens in the summer transfer market, he will not get more minutes than those in the Copa.

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