This ongoing negotiation period between Elche CF and striker Murad continues to shape the club’s plans for the near future, as both parties explore the possibility of extending his contract and solidifying his place in the second division squad. Last Monday, a first formal discussion took place between Sergio Mantecón, the technical secretary of Elche, and Pedro Cortes, who oversees the youth setup. The offer on the table was a three-year contract with the club, aimed at securing Murad’s long-term future, provided there is visible progression in his performance and a clear path to the first team.
Both sides are eager to conclude an agreement before the upcoming weekend. Murad currently holds a contract for the present season, but his role with Elche is fluid, with the player oscillating between the main squad and the Illicitano reserve side. He remains in the under-23 bracket, which complicates his eligibility for certain matchday registrations and could impact his inclusion in the squad for the LaLiga clash against Betis at Benito Villamarín if he is not properly registered in the pro file. The club is mindful that a timely decision could become more pressing if Lucas Boyé’s departure materializes, as that move would heighten the need for Murad to be integrated into the first team.
Representatives from Murad’s camp conveyed to Elche that they are pleased with the young forward’s development and his contributions during the pre-season, where he earned noticeable attention for his impact in several fixtures. Still, the club’s policy remains clear: the player must continue his growth trajectory and elevate his level, ideally after two loan spells away from the first team, most recently at Alcoyano. The objective is for him to rise within the second division while staying under the club’s supervision and strategic control while he makes the leap toward a regular spot in the top flight.
If Murad remains with the A team, he would slot in behind established forwards and fellow youngsters jockeying for minutes, including Ezequiel Ponce, Roger Martí, Lucas Boyé, and Pere Milla. That scenario would create a competitive yet realistic path to consistent minutes, though it could also limit his chances of immediate breakthroughs with the first team. The dynamic is delicate: the team has to balance development with results, and the forward group is crowded with experienced players who command significant playing time.
Should no formal agreement be reached and Murad stays with Elche on an amateur contract for the remainder of the season, his options could be narrowed to appearances for the reserve team, which competes in the third tier of the national league system (RFEF). Playing at that level would mark a step down from his previous experiences in both the second tier and the First RFEF, making it harder for top teams to keep track of his progress. Still, scouts and technical staff will be watching his performances closely to assess whether the player remains on the club’s radar for a future move or an eventual return to the top two levels.
The 24-year-old viewed the current training phase as an important window to push his bid for more involvement with the first team. However, the arrival of Roger Martí and the anticipated return of Lucas Boyé in the coming weeks have introduced additional competition and limited opportunities for Murad to claim a steady foothold in the senior squad. The club’s plan hinges on finding a balance between giving him meaningful minutes in competitive fixtures and safeguarding the squad’s overall stability as the season progresses. The outcome of this negotiation will signal the direction of Murad’s career with Elche and may influence strategic decisions regarding youth players potentially stepping into more prominent roles in the near term .