Juanfran Funes stated that he had asked for 20-year-old Spanish central midfielder Izan Merino, David Larrubia, and Alfonso Herrero to stay with Malaga. Merino joined the club in July 2024 and his contract runs until 2028. The Spain U20 international, who has a current Transfermarkt market value of €2.00m, has made 2 appearances in LaLiga in the 26/27 season.