Sporting Gijón have expressed interest in signing Levante UD centre-back Jorge Cabello on a loan deal. The Asturian club are looking to bolster their defence with the young Levante academy product, who has just returned from a loan spell at Mirandés.
The move, however, is not straightforward. Levante want to first secure the signing of another central defender before authorising Cabello's departure. The team managed by Julián Calero currently only has Dela and Mandi as senior centre-back options, meaning losing Cabello, the squad's only left-footed defender, would leave them dangerously short. The player, whose contract with Levante runs until 2028, is seeking playing time to continue his development.
Sporting's interest is based on the season Cabello spent at Mirandés during the second half of the last campaign. There, the 22-year-old defender became a regular starter, gaining valuable experience in Spain's second tier. His profile as a left-footed centre-back is an added and uncommon asset that the Gijón side values for balancing their defensive line.
For Levante, the priority is clear. With pre-season underway, the club cannot risk being short of options in such a key position. A new signing in that position would be the trigger for the loan move to Sporting to materialise.
Jorge Cabello started last season as a starter for Levante under manager Julián Calero. As the weeks went by, his involvement decreased and, in the January transfer window, a loan move to Mirandés was arranged so he could gain competitive rhythm. At the Burgos-based team, he proved his worth, playing in every possible match and returning to Valencia with a season of 18 league appearances under his belt.
His return to the Orriols training ground places him in a complex scenario. Dela and Mandi have the upper hand in the fight for starting spots, but his uniqueness as the only left-footed centre-back in the squad gives him distinct tactical value. His immediate future seems to point towards another loan move, provided the club covers his departure.
The potential move for Cabello is directly linked to Levante's activity in the transfer market. The club urgently needs to bring in a centre-back to have a minimum of three options for the two positions in the heart of defence. This need is accentuated when looking at the competitive calendar ahead.
The granota team faces a season in La Liga with ambitions of stabilising in mid-table. Having a solid defence with alternatives will be key to achieving that. The transfer window remains open, giving the club room to manoeuvre.
All signs point to the next few hours being decisive. Sporting Gijón have tabled their interest and await a positive response. Meanwhile, Levante's sporting management is working against the clock to identify and finalise the signing of a centre-back that would allow Cabello to leave.
While his situation is resolved, the player is training normally with the first team during pre-season. His focus is on staying ready, regardless of whether the final destination is Gijón or remaining in Valencia as a backup option. Jorge Cabello is under contract with Levante UD until June 30, 2028.
