Elche C.F. Update: Post-Cádiz Reflections and Future Prospects

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Elche CF has wrapped up a holiday period following the clash with Cadiz. After the match, Franjiverdes players began a month-long break. Preparations are set to resume on July 3 for those who will continue with the club next season. The 2023-2024 campaign in the Second Division centers on one clear objective: competing for promotion to the First Division.

See you soon! Conclusion, history and summary of Elche-Cádiz

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Players from the Elche squad departed with many unsure about their futures at the club.

In the early stages, as the technical secretary noted last week, Sergio Mantecon highlighted the aim of retaining 14 players who are still tied to Elche. Local talents Salinas and Murad return after assignments with Mirandés and Burgos, respectively. Both, as the coach commented last Friday, will be at Beccacece’s disposal and will begin the pre-season period.

If the initial plans of the Franjiverde management hold, 16 players would head into the new cycle, with between six and eight signings expected.

Nevertheless, some players still under contract may leave the club. A group of seven players faces an uncertain future regarding continuity.

What about cases? Diego Gonzalez’s contract expires in 2024, but he has barely featured under Beccacece. The Argentine coach did not rule him out, yet the profile expected for a center position may not fit his style. He was injured in the final games, but had limited minutes in his first appearance under the South American coach.

Similarly, Ezekiel Ponce is in a similar situation. He did not start any matches under Beccacece and became the team’s fourth forward, alongside Lucas Boyé, Randy Nteka, and Pere Milla.

It is not ruled out that Elche will explore exits while pursuing players who fit Beccacece’s tactical demands.

There are also players who remain notable in the First Division and attract interest from other clubs. Among them, Omar Mascarell, Pere Milla and Lucas Boyé are frequently highlighted.

The Canary was renewed last summer through 2025. The deal included a clause allowing a loan move in the event of relegation if a club pays 500,000 and assumes the player’s contract. Mallorca is closely watching.

Father Milla’s departure appears unlikely. He expressed a desire to stay, and it is doubtful that any competing club would meet the five-million-euro release clause.

Lucas Boyé faces a similar situation, with a release figure near 15 million euros.

And then there are Lautaro Blanco and Nico Fernandez. They are expected to stay, though a specific offer, potentially from Argentina, could lead to a temporary loan move.

Other players on contract include Edgar Badia, Pedro Bigas, Carlos Clerc, John Chetauya, Raúl Guti, Fidel and Tete Morente; their continuity is secured for now, and their departure would come as a surprise.

Elche players after finishing the match against Cádiz last Sunday MATÍAS SEGARRA

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On the other hand, Franjiverde has up to 12 players whose contracts end. Helibelton Palacios and Gerard Gumbau continue to attract renewed interest, and both have received offers. However, it seems likely their futures lie away from Martínez Valero, as they hold strong chances to secure moves to the First Division and could even have freedom clauses ready.

Carmona remains a topic of interest, although a return to Seville is possible. Elche and Beccacece have discussed bringing him back as a key figure for a two-division squad, with a future vision. The club has a buy option of six million euros expiring on 15 June, but the odds of a successful return are slim.

Josan and Gonzalo Verdú were also considered for continuing, given their importance to the club. Yet offers were too modest, and only those who navigated the Second B phase could gauge where they might head next. The end of the Cádiz match underscored this sentiment: Verdú, from Crevillente, visibly emotional, signaled that his best years might be behind him at Martínez Valero. Tears became a cue to the impending transition.

The Cartagena native was deeply affected, sharing moments with family and fans as the future grew murkier. His bond with Elche appeared to be in a fragile phase, foreshadowing changes ahead.

Elche’s old guard is in danger

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Magellan and Roco posted farewell letters on their personal social networks this Monday, signaling possible departures.

Nteka seeks quicker chances to stay in the Premier League and may consider a return if no top-tier option materializes. His performance has attracted attention from clubs in his home country.

Pol Lirola and Álex Collado are being viewed as excess assets; goalkeeper Axel Werner is looking for a place with more minutes.

Squad status in Franchiverde:

Name Age End of contract

Edgar Badia 31 2025

Diego Gonzales 28 2024

Pedro Bigas 33 2025

Carlos Clerc 31 2024

Lautaro Blanco 24 2027

Nico Fernandez 23 2027

John Chetauya 22 2025

Raul Guti 26 2025

Omar Mascarell 30 2025

Fidel Chaves 33 2024

Pere Mil 30 2025

Lucas Boyé 27 2024

Tete Morente 26 2024

Ezekiel Ponce 26 2026

Jose Salinas 22 2025

Mourad El Guezouani 25 2025

Axel Werner 27 2023

Pol Lirola 25 2023

Helibelton Palacios 29 2023

Gonzalo Verdu 34 2023

Enzo Roco 30 2023

Lisandro Magallan 29 2023

Pape Sheikh 25 2023

Alex Collado 24 2023

Gérard Gumbau 28 2023

Jose Fernandez 33 2023

Jose Angel Carmona 21 2023

Randy Nteka 25 2023

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