Former £71m Chelsea flop set for shock move to Spanish second tier - after being told to stop playing football by manager Cesc Fabregas at Como

Alvaro Morata, a striker with a decorated career spanning some of Europe’s elite clubs, is reportedly on the verge of signing with CD Leganés, a team competing in Spain’s Segunda División. This move signals an unexpected chapter for the 33-year-old forward, who has recently experienced a challenging period both professionally and personally.

Morata’s latest club, Como, where he was initially loaned before the deal became permanent, saw the striker struggle to make a significant impact on the pitch, managing only one goal across 30 appearances. His tenure there was marked by tensions with manager Cesc Fàbregas, who publicly questioned Morata’s suitability for football following a contentious sending-off during a match. Such incidents underscore a phase of frustration for the player, who is now seeking a fresh start.

Throughout his career, Morata has competed at the highest levels, playing for giants including Real Madrid, Juventus, AC Milan, Chelsea, and Atlético Madrid. Despite these prestigious affiliations, his journey has been marked by fluctuating fortunes, notably his brief and costly spell at Chelsea where he was signed for a club-record fee before departing less than two years later.

The imminent transfer to Leganés represents a significant step down in league stature, as the club currently battles in Spain’s second tier. With a modest stadium capacity of approximately 14,500 and a recent 16th-place finish, Leganés is aiming to return to La Liga following a change in ownership and a summer recruitment drive that has strengthened its squad considerably.

Reports indicate that Morata himself has initiated the move, signaling his desire to reignite his career in a familiar footballing environment. For Leganés, acquiring a player of Morata’s experience and pedigree is a noteworthy coup and a signal of their ambition to push for promotion in the coming season.

Parallel to his professional challenges, Morata has been navigating complex personal circumstances. He and his wife, model Alice Campello, have had a tumultuous relationship marked by multiple separations and reconciliations. Their recent public splits and reunions have attracted considerable attention, with the couple reportedly attempting to rebuild their partnership amid family life with their four children.

Morata’s personal life has intertwined with his career, with reports suggesting that communication difficulties have played a role in their separations. Despite these struggles, the couple has been seen together publicly in recent months, indicating a renewed commitment.

This next phase at Leganés could offer Morata stability both on and off the pitch. The club’s ambition to climb back to Spain’s top flight aligns with the striker’s need to regain form and confidence. Having scored over 230 goals in more than 660 club appearances and contributing significantly to the Spanish national team, Morata’s pedigree remains intact, even if recent seasons have been less prolific.

While details of the contract and transfer specifics remain limited, the move to Leganés reflects a broader narrative about a player attempting to recalibrate his career after several years of instability. For Morata, the Spanish Segunda represents both a professional challenge and an opportunity for resurgence.

The football world will be watching closely to see if Morata can translate his extensive experience into a revitalized performance on a smaller stage, potentially paving the way for a late-career renaissance. Meanwhile, Leganés will look to capitalize on this unexpected acquisition to enhance their squad’s quality and push towards their promotion goals in the upcoming season.