Sabadell preparing major rebuild as Terré set to arrive and Pérez returns

Sabadell Women’s Water Polo Team are preparing for a significant new era ahead of the 2026–27 season, with sweeping changes expected both on the bench and within the playing squad following the departure of long-time coach David Palma.

After years of domestic and European success under Palma, the club’s sporting management has already begun shaping what is expected to be a new-look project built around a stronger Spanish core, while several high-profile signings are reportedly close to completion.

According to reports from Catalonia, Palma’s assistant Enric Arnella is the overwhelming favourite to take over as head coach. The 33-year-old has been deeply embedded within the Sabadell structure for nearly a decade, coaching youth teams while also working as assistant coach and scout for the senior side.

Arnella has also built an impressive reputation internationally through his work with Spain’s youth national teams, helping secure multiple medals at Junior World and European Championships. His expected promotion would represent continuity rather than revolution, with Sabadell favouring a coach who already understands the club’s culture and philosophy.

However, while the coaching appointment may be conservative, the squad rebuild appears anything but.

The headline arrival is expected to be Martina Terré. Widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in world water polo, the 23-year-old has become one of the sport’s biggest stars following her performances for Sant Andreu Women’s Water Polo Team and the Spanish national team.

Terré played a major role in Spain’s Olympic gold medal campaign in Paris and was instrumental in Sant Andreu’s recent European success. Her potential move to Sabadell would immediately transform the team defensively and symbolise the club’s ambition to return to the very top of European water polo.

Sabadell are also expected to bring back Nona Pérez, in what would be one of the most emotional returns of the summer. Pérez left Can Llong three seasons ago to join Sant Andreu, where she developed into one of Europe’s elite players and was named the best European female water polo player of 2025.

Her return would give Sabadell a proven leader entering her prime years, while also re-establishing a strong Spanish nucleus within the squad.

Another player strongly linked is Paula Camus, another Spanish international who has impressed with Sant Andreu in recent seasons. Camus was named MVP of the latest Copa de la Reina and would add further quality and versatility to the roster.

If all three signings are completed, several foreign players are expected to depart. Reports suggest goalkeeper Isabel Williams, Nataša Rybanská and Athina Giannopoulou could all leave as Sabadell reshape the squad.

The expected weakening of Sant Andreu’s roster could also have major consequences for the balance of power in Spanish women’s water polo, potentially allowing Sabadell to reclaim domestic dominance while once again targeting the Women’s Champions League title.

With a new coach, returning stars and several world-class additions expected, Sabadell look set to be one of the most fascinating teams to watch heading into the 2026–27 season.

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