Farewell to the hero of the climb
Elche CF’s sports commission has been working with precision to gear up for the new season. The club secured seven signings: Álex Martín, Áleix Febas, San Román, Cristian Salvador, Mario Gaspar, Óscar Plano, and Nico Castronew, all while maintaining the core group of players under contract from the previous year. The squad was assembled with a careful eye on available market opportunities, and the potential transfer of Fran Pérez from Valencia lingered as a notable possibility as maintenance of the previous year’s stability continued.
Yet, as the saying goes, the window never truly closes until it does. The last minutes brought unexpected movement, with departures including Ezequiel Ponce to AEK Athens and Pere Milla to Espanyol. This shift placed additional pressure on the Franjiverde to add at least one reliable forward to the attack.
Elche’s striker situation evolves from strength to vigilance
JA Galvanized
With the Argentine forward leaving and the Ilerense striker vacancy looming, the most attacked position appeared to be left exposed at the outset of pre-season. Only Lucas Boyé and Mourad remained as true options in the striking department, leaving room for new solutions as the transfer window progressed.
From top threat to a leaner frontline
JA Galvanized
Sergio Mantecón, Mauro Óbolo, and Antonio Barragán have already begun scouting the market for potential forwards. In the wake of Ponce’s exit, both Mantecón and head coach Sebastián Beccacece have publicly signaled that signing another striker is not mandatory. This stance echoed the opening league match last weekend, where Ferrol Racing fielded a single forward. Pere Milla’s sale to Espanyol, however, radically reoriented the team’s frontline strategy at the Martínez Valero stadium.
With a clearer understanding of the squad’s financial situation, the club entered the window with liquidity. Sales from Ponce and Milla generated approximately six million euros, enabling the salary cap to rise and supporting the crucial operation of strengthening the attack. The movement offered a double-edged prospect: while the cash flow allows necessary reinforcements, it also invites scrutiny from agents and clubs seeking advantageous deals. The Elche leadership remains confident in their financial health and ready to capitalize on favorable opportunities as the market nears its close.
As September 1 approaches, the Franjiverde management intends to stay measured and calm. The focus remains on evaluating promising attackers from La Liga and beyond, with a clear eye on balancing budget, squad cohesion, and competitive ambition. The club anticipates that additional viable options will surface as teams reassess their forward lines, especially ahead of the final hours of the transfer window.
Meanwhile, the sports commission will continue to monitor contracts, wages, and potential loan exits that could provide further room for strategic additions. The overarching goal is to preserve team harmony while enhancing attacking options, ensuring that the squad remains competitive in a demanding season ahead.