Racing Santander have signed Hungarian goalkeeper Aron Yaakovishvili, aged 20, on loan from FC Barcelona. The deal, reported by La Razón, was finalized this week and addresses the Cantabrian club's need to replace Jokin Ezkieta, who returned to Cádiz after his loan spell.
The green-and-whites had previously shown interest in Julen Agirrezabala, but Athletic Club's demands led the team to turn their attention to Yaakovishvili. The goalkeeper, who played 21 matches for Andorra last season, will compete for the starting spot with Simon Eriksson and Laro Gómez. Barcelona only allowed the player to leave on a temporary basis.
Who is Aron Yaakovishvili?
Aron Yaakovishvili is a 20-year-old Hungarian goalkeeper who came through the youth ranks at FC Barcelona. He spent the 2025/26 season on loan at FC Andorra, Barcelona's feeder club in the second division, where he gained experience as a starter. Standing at 1.90 meters tall, he is noted for his stature and reflexes. His move to Racing Santander marks his first experience in Spain's top flight, a significant step in his professional career. The club believes his youth and potential can bring solidity to a defensive line seeking stability.
How does this signing affect Jorge Salinas's future?
The Yaakovishvili operation could have implications for another potential transfer. According to La Razón, FC Barcelona maintains a strong interest in 19-year-old right-back Jorge Salinas, one of Racing's homegrown talents. The Catalan club is looking for a way to sign the youngster without paying his 16 million euro release clause. They had considered including players like Jofre Torrens, Xavi Espart, or Héctor Fort in the deal, but Racing's interest in the Hungarian goalkeeper could open a new avenue for negotiation. Barcelona would be willing to offer around 6 million euros, plus 2 in add-ons, for Salinas.
What role will he play in Racing's goal?
Yaakovishvili's arrival creates an open competition for the goalkeeping position. The experienced Swede Simon Eriksson and the club-trained Laro Gómez will be his direct rivals for the number one shirt. The manager will have to decide who earns his trust for official matches. Racing's current squad, which you can view on our squad page, has several options in each position. Internal competition is often positive and can raise the overall level of the team. They face a demanding LaLiga season, with a fixtures schedule that will test all players from day one.
What data supports Racing's bet?
The club's decision is based on the player's profile and numbers from his time in the second division. The table below shows key data from his last season with Andorra:
| Competition | Matches Played | Goals Conceded | Saves |
|---|---|---|---|
| Segunda División | 21 | 28 | 67 |
| Copa del Rey | 2 | 3 | 9 |
These figures show a goalkeeper with competitive rhythm, though with room for improvement in his effectiveness. His integration will be key for a team looking to consolidate its top-flight status. The team's progress can be followed through our live stats.
The signing of Aron Yaakovishvili solves an immediate need in goal and could simultaneously influence the complex negotiation for Jorge Salinas. The summer transfer window remains open, and Racing Santander must continue working to build a competitive squad for the start of the season.
