Bragarnik: Elche will pursue 3 to 4 signings in the winter window
Elche CF is positioned to be a major talking point in the upcoming winter transfer market. At first, the club’s plan was modest, with owner Christian Bragarnik signaling an interest in adding three to four players. Yet the mood in the squad room shifted, and plans now point toward as many as five to six arrivals, alongside strategic adjustments within the squad. One immediate move was the departure of Edgar Badia to Real Zaragoza as the club reshapes its goalkeeping department.
Centers Alex Martin and Diego Gonzalez, who were not favored by Beccacece, are on the exit list. If additional defenders arrive, the Franjiverde setup could see further departures as the sports commission works to rebalance the defense lineup.
Lautaro Blanco’s future is uncertain. The manager’s preference did not favor him, and a return to Argentina is on the table. His service is missed in central roles, and the left back is seeking more minutes and steadier continuity, areas where his time at Elche fell short. Within the squad there are two other left backs, Carlos Clerc and Salinas. The club may consider loaning Blanco if a solid offer comes through. Zaragoza has shown interest in Salinas, but Blanco remains the higher profile option with strong relationships to last season’s staff, and the World Cup has elevated his pedigree.
Raúl Guti, with limited minutes, also remains a potential departure if an agreeable proposal emerges for both parties.
Elche shopping cart
Departures hinge on new signings. Two players have joined so far, not the top priorities, with Manu Nieto arriving to fill the void left by injuries. Oscar Plano, a more versatile forward option, is targeted as a secondary striker—yet the club is searching for a classic nine who can reliably shoulder goal responsibility. The official second signing was announced on Monday, bringing in an Argentine goalkeeper Matías Dituro, 36, to fill the gap created by Edgar Badia, who is not expected to feature in this window.
Dituro brings La Liga experience, having spent seasons with Celta de Vigo in Spain. This season he played for Fatih Karagümrük, appearing in 13 matches before his contract expired and a return to South America was contemplated. The Uruguayan-Argentine goalkeeper, born in Bigand, Argentina, has also been linked with Argentinos Juniors. His move was facilitated by Bragarnik and Beccacece as part of a broader strategy to keep him playing in Europe, with the goal of strengthening Elche’s options in goal. He is represented by Diego Rodriguez and is associated with the Argentino Juniors camp in recent talks. The club’s ownership aims to ensure he does not occupy a non-domestic slot, preserving foreign player rules.
Dituro’s career includes time with Alaves and Celta, and during the 21-22 season he stood out for his performances with Celta, helping the team secure a respectable league finish and delivering penalty-save moments that stood out to observers. The Argentine-Chilean keeper, who holds dual Italian citizenship, is expected to train with the group soon and make his competitive debut in Tenerife on a forthcoming weekend, following an initial training session with the squad earlier in the week. The club’s plan positions Dituro as a potential competitor for the starting role, challenging Miguel San Román for first-choice duties.
Dituro is set to begin full training on Tuesday and is scheduled to play his first match in Tenerife on Saturday at 18:30. Like Nieto, who started training with teammates, Dituro will be officially presented in the following day’s activities. Positions needing reinforcement remain clear: a center forward capable of making a difference, and a precise winger on the right flank. Additionally, the club is seeking a central defender, with potential room for two depending on market availability. If the right players arrive, some current members may depart to balance the squad.
Alex Martin and Diego Gonzalez have barely featured in the early part of the league, prompting the club to explore options on defense. The central midfield line is also under review, with an emphasis on players who can knit play and reach the opponent’s area more effectively. Should the sporting commission identify a profile with strong organizational skills, Raúl Guti could become another candidate to leave Elche. In total, the club expects five to six signings and four to five departures, signaling a winter window with significant changes for the Franjiverde side.