Future talent leaving UAE for Movistar? - Spanish team set to nab Giro Next Gen runner-up and bring him to WorldTour

Movistar could be set to snatch one of UAE Team Emirates - XRG's brightest prospects Mateo Ramírez ahead of the 2027 season, as latest transfer speculation points towards the 20-year-old on being on the move after his impressive Giro Next Gen performance this month.

The Ecuadorian climber, in his second season with UAE's Gen Z development team, finished runner-up at the under-23's race. The performance confirmed his continued development after being called up to represent the WorldTour team at several races last year and finishing sixth at the Tour de l'Avenir - won by Paul Seixas.

Daniel Benson reports that Ramírez is highly likely to join Movistar at WorldTour level from 2027. Neither team has made an official announcement.

The transfer would represent a major coup for Movistar as the Spanish team capture an emerging general classification prospect. Being South American, and Spanish speaking, Ramirez could prove an excellent addition to their ranks.

Meanwhile, one rider definitely not on his way out of the Emirati squad is Jhonatan Narváez. The Ecuadorian was rumoured to be leaving UAE Team Emirates - XRG and head back to Netcompany INEOS.

However the tables have been turned, and the Ecuadorian's success over the past month and a half has helped him make a decision on his future seasons. A departure would only come at a high value, after Narváez tremendous work around Tadej Pogacar in 2025 including Milano-Sanremo, the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and the Tour de France.

With tremendous explosivity but also a never before seen capacity in the high mountains, Narváez became an incredibly valuable part of UAE.

Hence, everything was done to secure his contract. “I’m very happy to extend my contract with UAE Team Emirates-XRG," Narváez said in a press release.

"From the moment I arrived, I felt the confidence of the team and I quickly knew this was the right place for me. We have an incredible group of riders and staff, and every day there is a real desire to improve and win together".