Cádiz Club de Fútbol took a decisive step on Tuesday, July 7, by appointing Juanma Cruz Fernández as the scouting director for the first team, a key role for the club's ambitions in the Segunda División.

What does Juanma Cruz's new role entail?

Juanma Cruz, a 1977‑born product of Cádiz's own academy who debuted with the senior side in 2000, will now lead the identification and assessment of talent that could strengthen the yellow‑and‑blue squad. His background coaching the youth sides gives him a blend of internal club knowledge and an external market outlook.

How does this appointment fit the club's restructuring?

The announcement is part of a broader overhaul driven by the newly installed president, Christian Septién. Alongside Cruz, Jesús López Velázquez was named youth‑development coordinator, and Servando Sánchez joined as first‑team analyst under Imanol Idiakez. These moves aim to create a tighter link between the academy and the senior squad.

What does Cruz bring to the project?

In recent seasons Cruz managed various youth teams and, in 2025‑26, was part of Atlético Sanluqueño's technical staff before returning to Cádiz. His 183 official appearances for Cádiz Club de Fútbol and his stint coaching the lower categories give him a unique perspective for spotting young prospects that fit the club's playing style.

What other changes were announced?

Jesús López Velázquez, a former Cádiz player who featured in 183 matches and helped the club achieve its historic promotion to La Liga in 2004‑05, now oversees the academy. Meanwhile, Servando Sánchez, who logged 132 official games and contributed to the 2016 promotion from Segunda División B to Segunda, takes on the first‑team analyst role, adding tactical insight and defensive expertise.

What’s next for the scouting department?

With Cruz at the helm, the club aims to sharpen its scouting network both domestically and abroad, focusing on profiles that complement the current roster and align with the tactical philosophy set by the manager. The goal is to reinforce Cádiz Club de Fútbol before the 2026‑27 season kicks off and solidify its standing in the second tier.