At the same time, Elche CF and its owner are advancing plans to complete the squad while also negotiating exits. The objective is to release tokens and adjust player contracts that no longer fit the project for the 2022-2023 season.
The club recently bid farewell to its first Murcian defender leaving Elche, Josema Sanchez. He terminated his contract and yesterday morning he went to the Valero stadium to collect his belongings and say goodbye to teammates. Through a personal note shared online, Josema thanked the fans and the club for their support, expressing that his best years were spent at Elche. The center back had contributed to promotion to the first division and had a loan experience with Valladolid, helping the team to stay in the top flight. He has now formalized his move to Leganés, with an official signing announced yesterday at noon.
The youth prospect Murad has also stopped training with the A team and will train with the reserve squad while the club works to finish his contract. The Franjiverde organization proposed a three-year extension and a transfer to the second division team. Lugo has shown interest in adding him to the squad and pursuing the possibility of an offensive upgrade.
Meanwhile, the striker’s representatives requested an improved contract and included a clause for a potential transfer if he excels in the second division and does not return to Elche. Brokers are more likely to propose terminations if the deal does not meet the needs of all parties involved.
In parallel, Mourad plans to train with the subsidiary since he does not hold a professional file, and at 24 he is no longer under 23, which prevents him from switching between Ilicitano and the A team. This means he might miss Monday’s match against Betis unless a first-team number is assigned to him or a new contract is agreed.
Another player who is entangled in the exit process in La Liga is goalkeeper Axel Werner. The Argentine shot-stopper still has one year on his contract. In January, Arsenal’s loan spell with Sarandí concluded, and he completed the entire pre-season period. The club’s aim is to extend Werner’s contract and explore a transfer option or termination role, similar to Josema and Mourad. If no deals are reached and licenses remain unavailable when the market closes, Werner would have to be released due to his valid contract status.
Bundles of 21 chips
With several signings already completed, Elche has filled 21 of 25 available spots. Academy product Jhon Chetauya could receive a license from the subsidiary as an under-23 player. The registered players include Edgar Badia, Helibelton Palacios, Gonzalo Verdú, Enzo Roco, Pedro Bigas, Diego González, Johan Mojica, Carlos Clerc, Omar Mascarell, Gerard Gumbau, Raúl Guti, Fidel Chaves, Tete Morente, Josan, Pere Milla, Pastore, Lucas Boyé, Ezequiel Ponce, and Roger Martí. Four licenses remain open for new additions before 1 September, allowing room for strategic adjustments as the season approaches.