Elche CF has added three young talents to its ranks while the first team is shaping its plans for the season. The club’s strategic focus on the youth academy remains clear, with a deliberate push to strengthen the pipeline from its cantera to the top level. These latest signings mark a continuation of Elche’s intent to develop homegrown players who can contribute in the near future and potentially grow into key figures for the club over the long term.
The most recent signing is Alexander Perez, a 16-year-old striker who came through the Villarreal academy. Perez impressed scouts with his instinct in front of goal, technical comfort on the ball, and willingness to take risks in the final third. His arrival is seen as a valuable addition to Elche’s forward options, bringing fresh energy and a competitive working style that mirrors the club’s ambition to produce versatile attacking talents from its youth system.
Earlier signs included a 16-year-old centre-back from the Granada region, Enrique Montalbán, who joins from the Alhedín club in Granada. Montalbán arrives with a reputation for strong positional sense, physical resilience, and a calm distribution game. His development is expected to reinforce the defensive foundations of the cantera and offer a reliable option to step up when needed as the team progresses through its early-season fixtures.
The first new addition to Elche’s youth lineup was Hugo Hernández, a 16-year-old midfielder who most recently trained with Salamanca UDS. Hernández is known for solid ball handling, good vision under pressure, and a propensity to drive the ball through midfield with controlled daring. His arrival broadens Elche’s midfield options and provides the staff with a high-energy presence capable of creating space and opportunities for teammates during both training drills and competitive matches.
Elche’s director of youth football, known as Coqui Raffo, emphasized that the club aims to be a prominent reference point for talent development within Spanish football. From the moment Raffo arrived, the focus has been on building a robust scouting network that can identify promising players at various levels and regions. The objective is to sustain a steady stream of talent that can fill gaps in the senior squad and elevate the overall quality of the academy teams. This approach reflects Elche’s broader strategy to blend immediate needs with a longer-term vision for growing a competitive, self-sustaining club that can compete with higher-tier academies across the country.
The three signings come from different parts of Spain, demonstrating Elche’s willingness to cast a wide net in the search for the best young players. From Villarreal, Granada, and Salamanca, these players illustrate the club’s commitment to a diverse talent pool and to giving young prospects the opportunity to develop within a structured, professional environment. As the first team continues its campaign in the national league, the descent of these players through the ranks may accelerate, providing the club with a broader set of options for future seasons. The collaboration between scouting, coaching staff, and youth departments is designed to ensure that each player receives tailored development plans that align with Elche’s playing philosophy and the standards expected at the highest levels of competition.
The ongoing growth of Elche’s senior team also plays a role in the youth program’s momentum. When the top side performs well, it creates a more attractive pathway for academy graduates, who can see a concrete route to first-team football. This dynamic fosters a culture of perseverance among the youngsters, who understand that dedication in training and a disciplined approach to their development can translate into real opportunities in the Major League. Elche’s strategy centers on cultivating skill sets that adapt to different tactical systems, enabling young players to contribute in multiple roles as needed. In time, the club hopes these efforts will yield a steady stream of homegrown players who can help sustain the team’s competitiveness in the national landscape and, potentially, beyond, while also enhancing the club’s reputation as a cradle of football talent in Spain.