Mallorca bring in Spain-Nigeria defender John Donald from LaLiga side Elche

Spain-Nigeria centre-back John Donald has joined RCD Mallorca from Elche CF on loan, adding a 25-year-old defender to the club’s squad for the 2026-27 campaign.

The move was completed on 31 August and runs until 30 June 2027, when Donald is due to return to Elche. The transfer takes him from LaLiga to Mallorca, who will compete in LaLiga2 this season.

Donald, born in Murcia, has spent his senior career in Spain and came through the youth system at Villarreal before moving into the club’s lower-level setup. He joined Villarreal C from Villarreal’s under-19 side in 2019, then transferred to Elche Ilicitano in 2020.

After two seasons with Elche Ilicitano, Donald moved into Elche’s first-team structure in July 2022. The right-footed defender has since featured in both of Spain’s top two divisions, gaining experience at senior level before making the switch to Mallorca.

His recorded career appearances include 39 matches in LaLiga2, in which he scored three goals, and 39 outings in LaLiga, where he found the net once. He has also played 13 Copa del Rey matches and appeared once in the promotion play-off competition for the Segunda Federacion.

Donald stands 1.82m tall and operates primarily at centre-back. His arrival gives Mallorca another option in central defence as the club prepares for its campaign in the second tier.

For Elche, the agreement provides a temporary move for a player who has progressed through its system after joining from the club’s reserve side. For Mallorca, it secures the services of a defender with experience across domestic league and cup competitions.

The transfer is Donald’s first move away from Elche since arriving at the club’s senior setup, following earlier spells with Villarreal’s youth and reserve teams. His next competitive chapter will come with Mallorca, where he will remain on loan through the end of June 2027.

John Donald has therefore completed his move from Elche to RCD Mallorca on loan.