Mikel Vesga signs for Almería, rejecting RCD Mallorca Mikel Vesga, the 33-year-old midfielder, has chosen to join Almería instead of RCD Mallorca, according to as.com. The player, who was not part of Athletic Club's plans, has signed a contract until June 2028 for €1.4 million gross per season. Vesga, who is already at the Marbella Football Center with his new team, joins a project aiming for its first promotion to La Liga. ## Why Almería and not RCD Mallorca? Although RCD Mallorca and Al-Faisaly showed interest, Vesga prioritized Almería, where he will reunite with Jon Morcillo, a fellow Athletic graduate. The Andalusian club offers a leading role in midfield, something not guaranteed at Mallorca. Additionally, the late interest from a Saudi club did not change his final decision. ## The impact on RCD Mallorca The loss of Vesga is a setback for RCD Mallorca, which finished the 2025 season in 14th place in La Liga with 35 points (9 wins, 8 draws, and 15 losses). The team, which scored 40 goals and conceded 49, is looking to strengthen its midfield to improve its performance in the upcoming campaign. Currently, players like Samuel Almeida Costa, Iván Cuéllar Sacristán, and Vedat Muriqi are sidelined. ## What's next for Vesga and Almería? Vesga, with over a decade at Athletic Club, now seeks his first promotion to La Liga with Almería. In the Andalusian team, he will compete with players like Iddrisu Baba, Stefan Dzodic, and Dion Lopy. He is expected to play a key role in midfield, although some players may leave this summer.