Borja Garcés, a 27-year-old forward from Melilla, has joined the UDMelilla squad to train in the Third Federation while waiting for a new professional opportunity in the winter market. Since Wednesday, the former Atlético de Madrid player has been working under the supervision of coach Miguel Rivera, with the aim of maintaining his physical fitness and competitiveness while defining his future.
Garcés, who was trained in the Atlético youth academy, debuted with the Colchonero first team in 2018, scoring his first goal in LaLiga in the draw against Eibar. After that season, he spent most of his career in the Second Division, where he played for Fuenlabrada, Leganés, Tenerife and Elche. In recent years, he played for Atlético's reserve team in the First Federation before moving abroad in 2025, signing for NKKustošija of Croatia.
UDMelilla, leader of GroupIX of the Third Federation, has accepted Garcés' request to train with the team. According to Luis Manuel Rincón, president of the entity, the decision was made to make it easier for the forward to continue his preparation and be fit for a possible call-up in the future. The club has not announced any transfer agreement, but has opened the door for the player to remain active within its structure.
Meanwhile, Garcés will continue training with UDmelilla in the coming weeks, without a contract having been confirmed. The striker hopes that his performance in training will allow him to attract the attention of clubs that need a striker with his experience and career. With the Tercera season in full swing, the player has the opportunity to demonstrate his level and remain in the sights of teams seeking to strengthen their attack before the close of the winter market.
Garcés' future will depend on the offers he receives in the coming months. If he manages to impress in training, it is likely that Atlético de Madrid or another Second or First Division entity will offer him an opportunity. Meanwhile, the striker will continue working with UDMelilla, hoping to return to professional competition in the next transfer window.