David Vicente leaves Real Zaragoza and signs for Heracles Almelo

Real Zaragoza has confirmed that right‑back David Vicente, who had been negotiating a return to the club, has moved to the Netherlands to join recently relegated Heracles Almelo. The player, who was in Amsterdam for the signing, agreed to a two‑year contract with an option for a third year, identical to the offer from the Dutch side.

Zaragoza sits 22nd in Segunda División with 36 points, 8 wins, 12 draws and 22 losses from 42 games, and carries a recent form of LDLLL. The team has scored 35 goals and conceded 59, leaving a -24 goal difference. Their last result was a 0‑2 defeat to Málaga on May 31, 2026.

What drove Vicente's decision?

Vicente had finished his contract with Real Murcia, where he played two seasons as a starter, racking up 74 matches, one goal and six assists. Zaragoza initially offered him one year with an option, later extended to two years plus one. However, the financial package from Heracles proved far more attractive, even though the player had expressed a desire to return to Zaragoza.

The full‑back said when leaving Murcia: "I leave with the peace of mind of having given everything in every moment and match and I was lucky to wear the grana." The salary gap between the white‑shirt offer and the Dutch one was decisive, according to sources close to the player.

How does the departure impact Zaragoza's squad?

With Vicente's exit, the club had already secured Jokin Gabilondo, a free agent from Málaga, to bolster the defence. Additionally, Juan Sebastián is expected to be transferred to Andorra, opening another spot on the right flank.

Zaragoza manager Rubén de la Red will need to reshuffle his back line. Vicente's absence leaves a void at right‑back, where his experience and crossing ability were valuable. The board trusts Gabilondo and promotes youth academy prospects to fill the gap.

What lies ahead for the player and the club?

David Vicente is already training with Heracles Almelo, aiming to cement his place in the Eerste Divisie and help the side return to the Eredivisie. Meanwhile, Real Zaragoza continues its battle to climb out of the relegation zone, trying to improve its table position and narrow the 46‑point gap with leaders Racing Santander.

Vicente's departure highlights the club's struggle to retain talent when foreign offers are financially superior. Zaragoza's immediate future will hinge on how quickly they integrate new signings and the coaching staff's ability to reverse the negative run.