Border Crisis Causes 15 Players to Withdraw from Transfers to AD Ceuta

AD Ceuta president Luhay Hamido disclosed that 15 potential signings abandoned their moves to the club as a result of an intensifying border crisis in the North African enclave. Despite deals being nearly finalized, safety concerns for families led players to pull out.

Migrant Influx Disrupts Recruitment Plans

The Spanish club’s squad development suffered a serious blow due to an unprecedented surge of migrants crossing into Ceuta from Morocco. Reports from news agency EFE estimate around 80,000 migrants have entered the city since late July by swimming or along the shoreline near Tarajal and Benzu breakwaters. This sharp increase has overwhelmed local facilities, with the Ceuta government asking Spanish authorities to declare a national emergency.

President Details Impact on Transfers

Speaking to Cadena SER, Hamido explained that family worries were a major factor behind the withdrawals: "Their wives are scared, the children... It’s understandable given what they hear. If you’re not experiencing it yourself, it feels like a state of siege." He pointed out how rapidly the city’s situation shifted from a healthy state in tourism, economy, and sports just a month earlier. He also emphasized the unique social fabric of Ceuta: "Ceuta is more than just a club: four cultures coexist here and we all embrace one another; it has become a sanctuary and the team a strong unifying force."

Club Protects Current Squad Environment

Hamido reassured that the existing players and coaching staff operate in a secure environment: "The players and manager have families and children. They see the city isn’t what they expected, and it affects them, but training goes on normally. It’s safe, and the police are doing a great job." The club even invited transfer targets to visit without obligation to evaluate facilities before finalizing signings late in the window. He added: "We believe this squad can compete. We don’t get nervous or obsessed with immediate results. We try to shield the players and keep them focused."

Upcoming Fixture Tests New Squad

After losing their first three matches without scoring points, AD Ceuta currently sits at the bottom of the table. Manager Jose Juan Romero will look to integrate new signings during their home game against Celta Fortuna on September 5. This matchday four fixture represents a critical chance to earn their first points of the season.

• Competition: Segunda Division
• Fixture: AD Ceuta vs Celta Fortuna
• Date: 5 September 2026
• Time: 18:30