Zaragoza returns to the conversation thanks to Pep Biel, the Balearic midfielder Lalo Arantegui called one of his biggest signings and who will play in the 2026 MLS All‑Star alongside Lionel Messi.

Who is Pep Biel and how did he reach Charlotte FC?

Biel signed for Deportivo Aragón in June 2017 from Almudévar and debuted under Natxo González. In the 2018‑19 season he was decisive, scoring six goals and providing four assists under Víctor Fernández. In January 2019 the club tried to loan him to Segunda B, but Arantegui opposed and the player stayed, culminating in a transfer to Copenhagen for over €5 million in the summer of 2019. After a spell at Olympiacos, he arrived at Charlotte FC in August 2024 and has since added seven goals and four assists in 15 matches.

Why does the All‑Star matter for Zaragoza?

The MLS All‑Star Game, set for July 29 at Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium, gathers 16 stars selected by coach Dean Smith and fan voting. Biel is part of the lineup that will face Liga MX, sharing the field with Messi (Inter Miami), Son Heung‑min (LAFC) and other international talents. For Zaragoza, having a former player on such a high‑profile stage reinforces the reputation of Arantegui’s transfer strategy, showing that the €5 million investment produced an elite athlete in a growing league.

What does this mean amid the Segunda División crisis?

Despite Biel’s shine, the club continues to struggle in the table: Zaragoza sits 22nd in Segunda División with 36 points, 8 wins, 12 draws and 22 losses from 42 games, and its recent form is LDLLL. It has scored 35 goals and conceded 59, a ‑24 goal difference. The last result was a 0‑2 defeat to Málaga on May 31 2026. Moreover, the team is 46 points behind leaders Racing Santander. Biel’s All‑Star appearance does not change the competitive situation, but it offers a point of pride and a possible sale door to strengthen the squad.

What’s next for Biel and Zaragoza?

Biel will play on July 29 against the Liga MX selection, and his performance will be watched by European scouts. A strong showing could lead to a European offer, allowing Zaragoza to reap a financial benefit that eases its precarious finances. Meanwhile, Arantegui will keep hunting market opportunities to reverse the club’s standing, though the immediate priority remains avoiding relegation and improving the recent run of results.