Spanish central defender Javi Sánchez, 28, has joined Arouca on a free transfer, signing a contract until the end of the season after terminating his agreement with Real Valladolid. Sánchez had been with Valladolid since 2019, making 124 appearances and being part of two promotions to LaLiga, though he had only played in three matches this season. He is the second winter reinforcement for Arouca. Sánchez came through Real Madrid's academy and played five times for their senior team in the 2018/19 season. The defender has one cap for Spain's U19 team and a current market value of €800k, according to Transfermarkt.