Former Sheffield United boss Ruben Selles is close to returning to management with Spanish second-tier side Real Zaragoza, just weeks after his ill-fated spell at Bramall Lane came to an end.
The Spaniard endured a nightmare start to the season in England, but could now be back in the dugout in his homeland as talks progress with the struggling Segunda División outfit.
From Sheffield Struggles to Spanish Rebuild
It has been a swift turnaround for Ruben Selles, who lasted just six games at Sheffield United before being dismissed following a run of six straight defeats. His short tenure saw the club tumble down the Championship table, prompting the board to reappoint Chris Wilder in an attempt to steady the ship.
The decision to replace Wilder in the first place divided supporters and ultimately backfired, as Selles struggled to implement his methods in a squad still shaped by his predecessor. While Wilder has guided the team to two wins since returning, Sheffield United remain inconsistent and continue to battle for stability.
After a disappointing start to the EFL Championship campaign, Rubén Sellés has been relieved of his duties as manager.
The board of directors wish to thank Mr Sellés for his hard work.
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) September 14, 2025
Now, less than two months later, the 40-year-old coach could be given another opportunity — this time in Spain. According to reports from El Periódico de Aragón, negotiations between Selles and Real Zaragoza are at an advanced stage, with both parties optimistic that an agreement will soon be reached.
Tough Challenge Awaits at the Bottom of Segunda
If appointed, Ruben Selles will take charge of a club mired in crisis. Real Zaragoza sit bottom of the Segunda División table with just one win from ten matches and a goal difference of minus eleven. The side recently suffered a 5–0 defeat under interim coach Emilio Larraz, who stepped up from the reserve team but is expected to return to his previous role once a permanent manager is confirmed.
The situation in Aragon is bleak. Once a respected top-flight mainstay, Zaragoza have endured a turbulent decade featuring financial instability, managerial turnover and several failed promotion bids. Selles would become their third boss of the campaign, inheriting a fractured dressing room low on confidence and short on points.
⚽️ El @RealZaragoza negocia con el técnico valenciano de 42 años #RubénSellés, para convertirse en el nuevo entrenador del equipo.
👉 Emilio Larraz volvería al filial y la idea es que el nuevo técnico debute ante el @RealSporting el próximo domingo.https://t.co/vFQwvZknJ8
— Cope Zaragoza (@CopeZaragoza) October 19, 2025
However, the former Hull City and Reading coach has built a reputation for firefighting roles and rebuilding struggling teams. His tactical pragmatism and experience across multiple European leagues may prove vital if he is to steer Zaragoza clear of a relegation battle and restore order to a proud but fading institution.
A move back to Spain could also offer Selles a calmer environment to reset after a bruising spell in English football. Though expectations will be high in Zaragoza, the immediate goal will be to stabilise results and rebuild the trust of supporters who have watched their club slide alarmingly in recent seasons.
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