One of the fan’s idols unquestionably stands out. Celebrating a fifth season as a franchise this year, it remains a reliable force on the pitch and in the locker room. Edgar Badia embodies pure dedication, a luxury goalkeeper for Elche whose remarkable saves have earned many victories. The season’s kickoff, with a hint of surprise, is anticipated. Last year, Escribá preferred another keeper, and Kiko Casilla, who carried the gloves until two matches before his departure, found himself sidelined. When faced with pressure, Badia rose; with Francisco’s arrival, he became the unquestioned starter, and Casilla only played the final two games as the squad settled in.
Elche’s coach contemplates options at goalkeeper, contemplating Catalan ownerships. In Argentina, Axel Werner is back after a loan spell at Arsenal de Sarandi. The plan is straightforward: the saintly keeper will begin the season as the starter, contrasting with last season. The contract originally neared its end but was automatically extended for another year, ensuring both playing time and stability in more than half of the season’s games.
Badia is preparing to approach the season at peak form. Unlike last year under Escribá, Francisco knows he has full trust in the Catalan goalkeeper.
Edgar Badia: “We don’t realize it yet, but we’ve made history”
VL Deltell
Arrived during the 18-19 winter transfer window in January 2019, Badia’s perseverance proved pivotal. He contributed to promotion in 2019-20, and in the 20-21 and 21-22 campaigns remained essential to Elche’s top-flight status. Now entering a fifth season with Elche, at 30 he demonstrates full sporting maturity and stands as a guaranteed Premier League goalkeeper.
His arrival followed the departure of Reus due to financial issues. The sporting director at that time, Jorge Cordero, acted prudently, bringing Badia in during January and keeping him in the plan under Escribá’s guidance.
Elche is the priority for Edgar Badia and Pere Milla
J.A. Galvan
Bragarnik’s return
The Elche owner, Argentine Christian Bragarnik, made his way back to Elche to hasten the club’s sports planning. The preparation period began with little in the way of transfers, four days before the season’s workouts. Bragarnik, who represents a number of Argentine players, communicated closely with technical secretary Sergio Mantecón, and his return was read as a sign of accelerated planning.
Beyond the need to strengthen positions such as fullback and midfield, Elche’s main challenge is securing a replacement for Tenerife’s Omar Mascarell, whose contract expired on June 30. The club has tabled several offers and is prepared to invest, but a deal has yet to be struck, unlike with Javier Pastore or Pere Milla, who extended their commitments. Bragarnik will also face the loan exits of local players Mourad and Salinas, as well as central defender Josema, who featured for Valladolid in last season’s closing chapter, and the return of Argentine goalkeeper Axel Werner after his stint at Arsenal de Sarandí.