Elche’s owner, Christian Bragarnik, walks with his usual slow and deliberate stride when it comes to activating the red transfer button. Five days until the Elche start their LaLiga against Betis next Monday (09:30) at the Benito Villamarín stadium and so far, Only two new players arrived: left-back Carlos Clerc and forward Roger Martí.

The Argentine investor has a three-week margin until the market closes on Sept. 1, and he has repeated the way he has worked for the past two seasons: leave homework until the end, confident that the last days of the term will open up more opportunities, affordable and the possibility of signing players who do not fall within the economic parameters of the franciverde establishment at the beginning of the summer.

Francisco would have liked to have had most of the pieces of the puzzle earlier so he could integrate them gradually into the template. But for now, he had to make do with it. Reinstatements of notable players last year like Omar Mascarell or Pere Milla; or the continuity At the end of last season, Johan Mojica and Lucas Boyé who looked more inside than out And everything seems to indicate that, in the end, they will continue to wear green stripes during the Centennial season.

Despite having a good foundation, the roster is currently only 19 players and Lucas Boyé and Pastore injured. Elche needs at least four or five signatures to face a long and difficult course. The priority needs are clear:

AIM

Competition and relief to some of Badia’s ultimate setbacks

Purpose is one of the positions to be reinforced. Edgar Badia, who yesterday extended his contract until 2025, is a guarantee under the sticks. But Francisco wants another goalkeeper who brings competition to Catalan and can allow Badia to remain calm in the face of a possible setback. For now, this role has been taken over by Axel Werner. The Argentine is back after his transfer to Arsenal de Sarandi. If a good market opportunity does not emerge, it may remain. However, the intention of the club and the coach is to have a new goalkeeper.

RIGHT SIDE

Helibelton Palacios only specific player

One of the most urgent needs is the right-back. Helibelton Palacios is the only dedicated player for this position. Although Josan can act in an emergency, the Colombian has no rivals. But Crevillentino is more of a winger or a football player to play as a lane with three central defenders that the coach wants to use in many games. Academy player Carles Marco gave Helibelton Palacios some rest during their pre-season game. Again, Francisco and the sports commission are clear that they need another right-back. adaptable to a four or five-man defense. He’s mainly looking for someone who has offensive traits and a right flank lap to go on the offensive as well as defend, to eventually emerge and center the field to look for a shot.

MIDDLE FIELD

A player with offensive characteristics coming into the field

In the engine room, Elche needs a different player than Mascarell, Gumbau and Raul, with an injury that leaves many doubting whether Pastore can repeat his great performance in the last LaLiga game that gave him a refresh. gout An organized midfielder or offensive midfielder who can throw the last pass and reach the opponent’s area. He is a replacement for the work Kike Pérez did in the last episode of the previous season. This man had a first and last name and was Óscar Melendo, but it eventually broke down when his contract seemed to be closed. Possibility of Barcelona youth squad now revealed Alex ColladoLast year, he played on loan in Granada and has experience in the First Division.

LEFT BANNER

An alternative to Fidel with overflow and speed

And the fourth priority requirement is a specific left winger with bounce and speed. Lately, Fidel has been playing more inside, and Tete Morente and Josan are more right flanks, although the Cádiz-born player has played on the left many times. In the final friendly match against La Nucía, Francisco had to place Mojica as an inside player. Elche’s squad does not have a player with these characteristics, and this is one of the issues waiting before the transfer market closes.

To these four priorities we must add the possibility of a new central defender. At first it was not planned, because with Enzo Roco, Gonzalo Verdú, Pedro Bigas, Diego González and youth team Jhon Chetauya this conspiracy could be dealt with. But the captain’s injury and Bigas’ illness changed plans, and if a good alternative emerges, the intent is to go after it.