Movistar Team are close to finalising their line-up for 2026, with only one roster place left to fill. As reported by Marca, the Spanish squad has already secured new signings, confirmed a series of departures, extended key contracts, and dismissed speculation linking them to major names on the market. The balance between continuity and renewal is clear, with experience being retained in some areas while fresh talent is introduced elsewhere.
Transfers and departures
The most notable arrivals are the Spanish trio of Roger Adrià, Raúl García Pierna and Juanpe López. Adrià and García Pierna have committed until 2028, while López has signed through to 2027. Their recruitment strengthens Movistar’s Spanish identity and gives the team more options across stage races and hilly terrain. The development pipeline is also being prepared, with Colombian sprinter Jonathan Guatibonza joining the Academy at just 21 years of age. He is expected to be one of the young riders capable of stepping up in the near future, alongside fellow Academy talents Aranaz and Cubillas.
Balancing those arrivals are a series of confirmed exits. Marca reports that Fernando Gaviria, Gregor Mühlberger, Davide Cimolai, Will Barta, Ruben Guerreiro and Antonio Pedrero will all leave the team at the end of 2025. Gaviria had hoped to stay on but Movistar have decided to look towards a younger profile in the sprints. Cimolai, Mühlberger and Barta provided valuable experience in supporting roles, while Guerreiro and Pedrero were climbing options, meaning the squad will look different in both fast finishes and mountain support going forward.
Photo Credit: GettyRenewals and future planning
Movistar’s management have also tied down some of their most important performers. Orluis Aular, one of the breakout riders of 2025, has extended his contract until 2028. The Venezuelan has proven reliable in sprint finishes and came close to victory at the Giro, making him a cornerstone of Movistar’s short-term strategy in fast finales. Jorge Arcas, Albert Torres and Nelson Oliveira have also been renewed, ensuring valuable depth remains in the team’s engine room.
Beyond the senior roster, Movistar are betting heavily on their Academy project. The structure is designed to deliver long-term replacements for outgoing riders, with Guatibonza the standout sprinter among a group that includes Aranaz and Cubillas. The idea is that this pool of talent will provide stage hunters, domestiques and, potentially, future leaders without having to rely solely on the transfer market.
Rumours and one place left
Transfer speculation is never far away, and this summer Marca linked Movistar to some of the sport’s biggest names. Primož Roglič was mentioned after Red Bull signed Remco Evenepoel, but despite previous conversations in years gone by, he will not move to Movistar in 2026. The same applies to Juan Ayuso, who is expected to remain with UAE Team despite reports from Italy that suggested Lidl-Trek might tempt him away. Movistar are not in the running for either rider, preferring to focus on the balance already in place within their squad.
That leaves just one final place to be filled, with David Kevin Castillo currently the leading candidate. The Colombian, riding as a stagiaire, is too old to continue in the Academy next year and must impress in races such as the Tour of Germany to earn a contract. Should he succeed, Movistar will have their full 27-man roster completed.
For 2026, the team will rely on established leaders like Enric Mas, the speed of Aular, and the progression of young riders such as Iván Romeo and Javi Romo. Combined with a revitalised Academy structure, the picture painted by Marca is of a team blending present competitiveness with a clear eye on the future.
