Elche’s owner, Christian Bragarnik, moves with a measured pace when it comes to pressing the red transfer button. Five days remain before Elche opens their LaLiga campaign against Real Betis at the Benito Villamarín, and only two new players have joined so far: left-back Carlos Clerc and forward Roger Martí.
The Argentine investor operates with a three-week window before the market closes on September 1, sticking to a familiar pattern from the past two seasons: wait until the last days of the term, confident that the closing stretch will reveal more affordable opportunities. Capable players who fit the club’s financial parameters often surface late, allowing Elche to complete the squad without breaking the bank at the start of the summer.
Francisco would have preferred to assemble most of the pieces earlier to integrate them gradually into the template. Yet, he must adapt to the current situation. Reintegrations of notable players from the previous year, such as Omar Mascarell or Pere Milla, and the continuity of players like Johan Mojica and Lucas Boyé, who contributed in attacking and defensive roles, suggest they will continue wearing green in the centennial season.
Even with a solid foundation, the roster stands at 19 players with Lucas Boyé and Pastore sidelined by injuries. Elche needs at least four or five signings to navigate a challenging campaign. The priorities are clear:
AIM
Competition and relief for some of Badía’s earlier setbacks
The aim includes reinforcing a key position. Edgar Badía, who recently extended his contract until 2025, is a trusted option between the posts. However, Francisco seeks another goalkeeper who can provide competition and relieve the pressure on Badía in case of a setback. At the moment, Axel Werner has taken on that role, returning after a stint with Arsenal de Sarandí. If a strong market opportunity does not arise, he might continue to be the stand-in, though the club and coach prefer adding a new shot-stopper.
RIGHT SIDE
Helibelton Palacios remains the primary right-back option
One of the most urgent needs is a natural right-back. Helibelton Palacios is the sole player dedicated to this position, with Josan able to slot in during emergencies. The Cádiz-born wing-back has often filled other roles, but the team lacks a true counterpart who can push forward with pace and deliver crosses. Crevillente-born player Carles Marco provided Palacios rest during a pre-season match. Francisco and the sports committee are vocal about securing another right-back who can adapt to a four- or five-man defense, bringing offensive threat and defensive solidity to the flank, and offering a credible alternative to stretch the field and create shooting angles.
MIDDLE FIELD
A midfielder with offensive characteristics to bolster the attack
In the engine room, Elche seeks a different profile than Mascarell, Gumbau, and Raul, hoping to avoid the lingering doubt around Pastore’s durability after a strong finish to last season. The club targets an organized midfielder or an attacking midfielder capable of delivering the final pass and arriving in the opponent’s area. This player would replace the workload that Kike Pérez handled in the closing episodes of the previous campaign. The memory of Óscar Melendo lingers, a talent once linked to a Barcelona youth cohort who impressed on loan at Granada. Now, the door has opened for a fresh option, with Alex Collado, who impressed on loan in Granada last season, entering discussions as a potential addition to the midfield rebuild.
LEFT BANNER
A winger with pace and the ability to deliver from the left
The fourth priority is a left winger who can provide width and speed. Fidel has shifted more inside recently, while Tete Morente and Josan have predominantly operated on the right. The Cádiz-born talent has also featured on the left, but the squad lacks a natural option with speed and directness from the flanks. In the final friendly against La Nucía, Mojica was used as an inside player to cover gaps. The team needs another left winger who can attack from wide positions and contribute both goals and assists while remaining adaptable to a four- or five-man defense. The transfer window remains the stage for this decision.
Beyond these four priorities, there is also the possibility of adding a new central defender. Initially, the plan relied on Enzo Roco, Gonzalo Verdú, Pedro Bigas, Diego González, and the youth squad through Jhon Chetauya to cover the back line. But an injury to the captain and illness to Bigas altered plans. If a strong alternative emerges, the intention is to pursue it to bolster the center of defense.