Champions take Cañellas a year early

He was supposed to be the successor to Domagoj Duvnjak (who moves to THW Kiel) from 2014 onwards, but Joan Cañellas has already arrived at HSV Hamburg.

After the recent financial problems suffered by his former club Atlético Madrid, Cañellas has moved to the VELUX EHF Champions League winners one year earlier than previously agreed.

The 26-year-old centre back arrived on Friday evening in Munich and was brought directly to the club’s preparation camp in Sölden, Austria.

“Now we all know, what is going on. We had negotiations with the player and finally agreed that Joan would join us right away.

“We are happy to have found this perfect solution, especially as it was a hard time for Joan. So we are really happy to have him here for one additional year,” said HSV coach Martin Schwalb.

Cañellas was delighted with the solution and is keen to get going with the European champions.

“I am really glad that this transfer was possible already. I eagerly wanted to take this step after what had happened to my former club. I am really looking forward to joining my new team,” said Cañellas.

Cañellas became world champion with Spain in January and was twice Spanish champion and VELUX EHF Champions League finalist with Atletico Mardid/Ciudad Real. His contract in Hamburg will run until 2017.

The Spaniard’s first major task with HSV will be the two-legged wild card play-off against Füchse Berlin on 21 and 23 August, with the winner taking a place in the VELUX EHF Champions League Group Phase.