In and Out at the Estadi Cornella-El Prat!

With just three games left of the season, Espanyol look to be entering a final battle between themselves, Twente and Anderlecht for the final automatic promotion spot for Division 5. With games against Brugge, Cologne and current leaders Monaco it wont be easy, but Earle has said he has confidence in his players to claim the final position. For this to be achieved key players such as Carlos Bacca, Iago Aspas, Andriy Yarmolenko and Luis Pizzi must all step up and lead the squad. Despite the outcome of the season, there are already several moves in place arranged for the post season.
A long known departure is that of Andrea Masiello who will join recently promoted Leicester City at the start of the new season. The Italian joined Espanyol early last season and made 15 appearances in the centre of defence. He has featured a further 7 times this season but has been used sparingly due to several preferred options. Masiello will move to England for a fee of around £4.5 million where he will compete for a starting spot against exciting youngster Clement Lenglet, skilled veteran Anderson Luisao and former teammate Bruno Alves.

Nathan Ake, 22

Another long awaited transfer is the arrival of Nathan Ake from Boca Juniors. The 22 year-old was originally scheduled to arrive on the 21st but his move has been delayed until the end of the season. Ake has recently earned himself a starting spot in Argentina and both managers agreed it would benefit him to finish the season before completing his move. The deal completes the transfer of Roque Mesa who left Spain in October. Ake will likely play a back-up roll or could potentially be loaned out for a season. Alternatively he may look to move to a wider role at the back where he will face less competition. The deal is now planned to take place after new year. Ake has had a lot of experience over the past 6 seasons playing for teams such as Chelsea, Bayern, Monaco and Boca Juniors. He has also already represented Espanyol earlier this season in a short loan spell. Fans have been eager for Ake to join and will hope he can continue to develop over the next few years.

Isaac Success will also depart from Spain. The 21-year-old only arrived at the end of October and hasn't yet made any appearances. The versatile forward is set to join Basel on the 9th of January after his transfer ban is up for a fee of close to £6 million. The move is part of a deal which saw Danijel Subasic move to Spain earlier in the season. The Swiss side are understandably excited for the Nigerian to arrive and make his mark.

The most recently agreed deal will see Georgi Schennikov head to Germany to join Hertha Berlin. The left back is another recent arrival in Spain who will see an early exit. The emergence of Fernando Marcal as the first team favourite has resulted in Schennikov start just 5 games since arriving. In the deal Paul-Jose Mpoku will move to Spain along with 19-year-old Hassane Bande. Earle has been after for Mpoku throughout the season and will hope he can replicate form from earlier seasons where he scored 10 goals and assisted 6 more in his first 40 games. The winger will join around mid January in a swap for the left back and will likely be refined to cup games, but if he impresses he will surely get his chance in the first team. Bande was strongly linked with a move to Espanyol before he joined Hertha Berlin and will finally sign for Earle's side at the end of January as a separate deal. Earle has hinted at his side entering the youth which would see the youngster pick up valuable game time. He has also been tipped as a future star by many and could combine with Ezequiel Barco to form a deadly wing partnership in next seasons tournament.

Galvao Jefferson has also been told he can find a new club after being deemed excess by Earle. Ruben Aguilar also faces an uncertain future after he has failed to impress in Spain. The 24-year-old was expected to develop in his time at the club but so far the coaches have seen minimal progression. Another player possibly on his way out is Roberto Pereyra. The midfielder hasn't commented on his future although Earle has said he'd be open to offers for the Argentine. His fast start in Spain has stalled but Earle still has faith in the 26-year-old if he choses to stay.

Rumours have linked Lautaro Acosta with a possible move to Spain from Division 1 side Napoli. The 29-year-old is Transfer Listed and Earle is apparently keen on signing the pacey wide-man if a deal can be reached. Karl Toko Ekambi is another player Espanyol are keen on. An enquiry has been made by the Spaniards to Roma who have made the forward available. It is also expected that Earle will make a move for a back up left back before the start of next season although no official offers have been made. The club have also began attempts to strengthen their youth squad for the cup next season. Several loan enquiries have been made and a number of players have been have been made available to help in the recruitment of younger replacements.

It is expected that several more moves will be agreed over the next few weeks. The squad is looking strong for the new season and Earle will hope they will be in Division 4 where they can push on.