However, shortly after joining Celta, Manuel Almunia was loaned out to Segunda División side Eibar, where he spent 2001–02 as first-choice goalkeeper. During the 2002–03 season, Celta loaned him out to first-division club Recreativo de Huelva, where he played understudy to José Antonio Luque and César, only making two league appearances. Almunia’s début in the first division came on 17 November 2002, following a red card to the latter, in a 0–3 defeat at Deportivo Alavés.
Manuel Almunia then returned to Celta, being loaned for the third and final time, now to Albacete Balompié on 1 November 2003. Manuel Almunia made his club début the following week, in a 1–0 loss at Málaga. Almunia achieved first-choice status, making a total of 24 league appearances until the end of the season, while helping Albacete finish 14th.
Manuel Almunia
Manuel Almunia
Manuel Almunia
Manuel Almunia
Manuel Almunia
Manuel Almunia
Manuel Almunia
Manuel Almunia
Manuel Almunia
Manuel Almunia
Manuel Almunia
Manuel Almunia
