--- title: "Spanish veteran vs Ukrainian youth: Ivan Calero β€” the main target for 'Karpaty' in the summer transfer window" description: "'Karpaty' are negotiating the signing of 31-year-old Spaniard Ivan Calero. The defender is being considered as a replacement for Alexey Sych and has already worked with head coach Fran Fernandez. πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦βš½οΈ" date: 2026-07-27T12:02:00.000Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/ivan-calero-target-karpaty tags: [ivan-kalero, fc-karpaty, francisco-fernandez, cultural-leonesa, alexey-sych] publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Spanish veteran vs Ukrainian youth: Ivan Calero β€” the main target for 'Karpaty' in the summer transfer window ![Ivan Calero in Getafe's jersey on the football field, a potential reinforcement for Karpaty](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/27/ivan-kalero-cel-karpat/ivan-kalero-cel-karpat-1.webp) Lviv's 'Karpaty' have identified their priority for the summer transfer window. The club's management is aiming to strengthen the right flank and is actively negotiating the signing of 31-year-old Spanish defender Ivan Calero. Insider information from the 'TaToTake' project, published in Sport RBC.UA, confirms that the Lviv club is already in contact with representatives of 'Cultural Leonesa', the team Calero currently plays for. ### Replacement for Alexey Sych and minimal cost Calero's arrival in the UPL is intended to compensate for the departure of a key player β€” right-back Alexey Sych, who moved to Kyiv's 'Dynamo'. The Lviv club expects to finalize the deal on the most favorable financial terms. According to sources, the transfer could take place for a symbolic compensation to the Spanish club, which competes in the third division of the Spanish championship. ### A familiar face for the coach One of the decisive factors tipping the scales in favor of the transfer is Calero's professional past. The footballer has already worked under the current head coach of 'Karpaty', Fran Fernandez. Their joint path went through 'Alcorcon', where they built the game together. This acquaintance allows the coaching staff to be confident in the tactical discipline and understanding of the new player's tasks. Furthermore, the defender has a solid background: he is the son of Julian Calero, a well-known coach who currently leads 'Oviedo'. Ivan's father was once part of the Spanish national team's staff at the 2018 World Cup under Fernando Hierro, which speaks to the player's deep roots in the professional environment. ### Career from 'Atletico' to Spain Ivan Calero is a product of Madrid's 'Atletico'. During his career, he has played in strong European leagues, defending the colors of English 'Derby County' and Dutch 'Sparta' from Rotterdam. In his native Spain, he played for 'Elche', 'Malaga', and 'Zaragoza'. In the past season for 'Cultural Leonesa', the defender played 37 official matches in the championship and the Spanish Cup. His statistics are impressive: 5 goals and 5 assists. The main highlight of the season was a brace in a cup match against the famous 'Athletic' from Bilbao. ### Tactical profile By profile, Calero is an attacking right-back. He is capable not only of reliably defending the flank but also of covering the winger position if necessary. This quality is especially valuable for 'Karpaty', where another Spaniard, Cheber Alcain, already plays on the flank. Calero's arrival will give the coach the opportunity to vary tactical schemes and use the player in different roles. Previously, it was reported that the Luhansk 'Zorya' was also keeping an eye on the player, trying to intercept the Ukrainian champion. However, at the moment, negotiations with 'Karpaty' look the most promising.