Elche CF eyes defensive reinforcements for next season

Elche CF is shaping its squad for the upcoming season. Barragán is leaving the club as his contract ends, and he will not continue with the green-and-white project. The player has already bid farewell to the team and the fans in a message published on social media. This development leaves the right-back position with Helibelton Palacios as the sole specialist, while the coach Francisco is seeking another long-term option who can contribute on the right flank in a four-defender system, either in a back four or in a two-lace setup. The coach believes Josan can adapt, and he has shown capability in several matches this season, but the manager wants a player more accustomed to operating on that boundary. This remains a central talking point for the club as they assess options that fit the tactical plan. There is interest in a player with proven experience and potential to grow within the team’s framework. The sporting committee has included Ximo Navarro on its shortlist. Last season, Elche attempted to sign Navarro from Alavés for a right-back role. The deal did not materialize, with Elche offering around 300,000 euros while the Basque club sought roughly double that amount. The transfer setback influenced the club to proceed with Barragán, who initially did not feature prominently but ended up becoming one of the season’s captains under Fran Escribá. Navarro’s name has resurfaced as a credible option in the current market, and the club believes he could present a quality, cost-efficient solution at Martínez Valero. Navarro, now 32, was released by Granada after parting ways with Alavés, which broadens the club’s possibilities since no transfer fee would be required. He has appeared in 18 league matches this season for the Basques, including a delayed recovery from a cruciate ligament injury that sidelined him for three months. His experience in the top flight includes multiple seasons with Las Palmas and a period of regular starts at both Las Palmas and Babazorro, where he shared the field with Pedro Bigas on occasion. Navarro has expressed a desire to continue in the top tier, and Elche’s interest aligns with his aspirations, making the move financially attractive and strategically sensible. The club recognizes this as a viable option that fits within their economic parameters, while also exploring other possibilities that meet the coach’s criteria. The possibility is judged to be realistic and attractive, although it would require careful negotiation and alignment with Navarro’s expectations. In parallel, other right-wing candidates have surfaced in discussions around Elche, including Carlos Akapo from Cadiz and Kiko Femenía from England. Akapo, who has Elche roots and is eager to return, is currently a free agent after his contract with Cadiz expired, but this potential arrival remains more of a desire than a concrete plan, as the profile sought by the coach leans toward a more offensive-minded winger. Femenía, who fits the requested profile, is widely considered financially unattainable due to his standing in the English Premier League. The 31-year-old defender from Alicante is contracted to Watford until 2024, and after five years in England following Watford’s relegation, he has shown interest in returning to La Liga. Links have connected Elche with other Spanish clubs, including Villarreal, Getafe, Valladolid, and Almería, underscoring the high level of competition in the market. For Femenía to secure a release, a deal with Watford would first need to be reached, followed by a significant salary reduction to make a move feasible to Spain. The franciverde board believes that signing Femenía may be out of reach financially at present. As market dynamics shift with two and a half months remaining before the close of the transfer window, a wide range of possibilities could still emerge. In this environment, Elche continues to monitor the right-back market, looking for players who combine experience with a willingness to contribute effectively in both defensive and attacking phases, while managing the club’s budget and sporting ambitions. The club remains prepared to adapt as developments unfold, and the coaching staff will keep evaluating talent that best fits the tactical scheme and the squad’s needs. The ongoing discussions reflect a concerted effort to strengthen the roster without compromising financial stability. The outcome of these negotiations will shape Elche’s defensive lineup as they head toward the new season. [Citation: Elche CF transfer rumors and squad planning 2025]