Born on 9 February 1987 in Lora del Río, 57 kms away from Seville, José Ángel Crespo started his football career at the ranks of Sevilla FC. He played for two seasons in the club’s second team and made his senior debut in December 2005, in a game against Getafe CF. In August 2007, he became a full member of the roster and lined up several appearances at left back.

In 2009 he was shipped on loan to Real Racing Club de Santander and he was released in the following summer. He left Spain for the first time and signed for Calcio Padova where he enjoy the fullest season of his career, playing in 43 matches. His side made it all the way to the promotion play-offs, where they were defeated by Novara, but the Andalusian full-back had already secured a place in the Serie A.

Bologna F.C. 1909 acquired him and he made 10 appearances with his new team, before signing for Hellas Verona a one-year deal on loan. With the Spaniard featuring in 17 encounters, the Verona outfit finished second in Serie B earning direct promotion. After another season at the ranks of Bologna F.C. 1909, he returned to Spain on loan, for the sake of Córdoba CF.

In March 2015, the Spaniards signed Crespo on a permanent deal and, two months later, his outstanding performances saw him travel to the Premier League. Aston Villa paid 500.000 euros to sign him. After six months in England, he was given on loan to Rayo Vallecano –and that was the last stop of his career before deciding to join PAOK.