Nairobi News

Kenyan international Ismael Gonzalez has made a move to Spanish fourth-tier club Aguilas FC from Sabadell, who were playing in the third tier.

The versatile 28-year-old player becomes Aguilas’ first signing ahead of the upcoming season as they prepare for life in the new division following their promotion three months ago.

Gonzalez, born in Spain to a Kenyan father and Spanish mother, has enjoyed a varied career, having represented five different clubs before joining Aguilas. He is known for his ability to play in both midfield and defense positions.

“The new blue and white player was trained in the Canary Islands, where he is from despite his African descent. There, he went through the ranks of UD Vecindario and Union Deportiva Las Palmas, with whose second team he made his debut in the Second Division ‘B’ in the 2014/2015 season,” stated Aguilas in a press release on their official website.

The talented player spent four seasons with Las Palmas’ subsidiary team, known as “Pío-Pío,” and another season with the first team. He also had loan spells at Cacereno, Recreativo Granada, and Fuenlabrada. In 2021, he joined Real Murcia, playing 20 games, including the playoffs, scoring a goal, and securing promotion to the First RFEF. Last season, Gonzalez competed in the same category, wearing Sabadell’s distinctive harlequin shirt.

Gonzalez, who has earned 11 international caps for the Kenyan national team, brings a wealth of experience to Aguilas FC. Despite primarily playing in the lower leagues of Spanish football throughout his career, he has consistently showcased his talent and versatility on the field.

The move to Aguilas FC presents a fresh challenge for Gonzalez as he aims to contribute to the team’s success in the upcoming season. With his skill set and international experience, he will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in the club’s campaign.

In October 2022, he was recalled to the Harambee Stars squad for a crucial match against Mali in the 2022 Qatar FIFA World Cup qualifiers on 7th October in Morocco.

This decision came after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) failed to grant approval for any stadium in Mali. Gonzalez, who had last received a call-up during the disastrous 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Comoros, which ultimately cost Kenya a place in the continental tournament.

Prior to this, Gonzalez’s last appearance for Harambee Stars was in the initial 2019 Africa Cup of Nations encounter against Algeria, despite being called up for the Comoros game.

Also read: Ugandan who won court case after he was kicked out of WhatsApp group speaks