UD Almería launches LaLiga Hypermotion preseason with new signings and coach

UD Almería is set to begin its preseason for the 2026‑27 LaLiga Hypermotion campaign. Medical examinations start on Monday, after which the squad will convene in Marbella on 31 July for a month‑and‑a‑half of training ahead of the league kickoff slated for 15‑16 August. The club has added four signings – winger Brian Cipenga from CD Castellón, midfielder Quim Junyent from FC Barcelona’s academy, defender Jorge Pulido and full‑back Alex Sola – and renewed forward Leo Baptistao’s contract. It also activated purchase clauses for Miguel de la Fuente and André Horta.

The team will be led by new head coach Francisco Javier García Pimienta, who replaces Rubi after the former’s two unsuccessful promotion playoffs. García Pimienta, a former Las Palmas and Barcelona B player, guided Las Palmas to promotion and a solid top‑flight stay before a brief spell at Sevilla. His appointment comes as LaLiga Hypermotion prepares for its 26‑27 season, which will feature 21 different managers across the division, including José Juan Romero at AD Ceuta and other coaches at clubs such as Albacete, FC Andorra and Burgos.