NEWS · 27 Aug 2026
Ander Herrera returns to Spain’s third tier, playing for free
Former Real Madrid and Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera has signed with a Spanish third‑division side on a free contract. The BBC explains the circumstances that have led the veteran to play without pay.
Ander Herrera, who has worn the shirts of some of the world’s biggest clubs, including Real Madrid and Manchester United, has returned to his native Spain after a long spell abroad.
He has joined a third‑division side in the Spanish league system, a move that marks a stark contrast to the high‑profile teams he once represented.
What makes the transfer unusual is that Herrera is playing without a salary, a decision that has surprised many fans and pundits alike.
The BBC article outlines the factors that have led to this arrangement, detailing the player’s motivations and the club’s perspective.
While the veteran’s future in professional football remains uncertain, the move underscores a new chapter in his career and offers a fresh challenge for the club he now represents.