Like many Spanish clubs, Espanyol felt the knock-on effect of the country's deep economic crisis in 2008 and were forced to sell their best players to avoid financial ruin. Those pressures have eased since Chinese firm Rastar Group purchased a controlling 54 percent stake in the club in January 2016. "We're always trying to find exciting talent and if we can find that in Chinese players then that's doubly good." Espanyol's youth system is thriving, however, and Fernandez believes the success of its four latest graduates can drive the club's resurgence. "When I see an academy player make his debut it gives me an indescribable feeling.

Source: dna February 28, 2017 05:55 UTC