Elche CF holds its forward line steady as the transfer window closes
The Elche club has no plans to introduce additional forwards to its squad before the transfer window closes on September 1. With the arrival of the season, the team has reinforced the attacking department through the new signing, Roger Martí, who brings experience and firepower to the frontline.
At the club, the acquisition of Ezekiel Ponce, a former Levante player purchased for three million euros, alongside the strategic use of a buy option that cost four million, signals a careful approach to strengthening the attack. Those moves, in conjunction with the continued presence of Moscow Spartak’s Peter Milla and Lucas Boyé, suggest that the squad will not part with these players and will rely on their experience to navigate the campaign. The collective effort aims to provide Francisco with the tools needed to compete robustly this season.
Bragarnik and the sports commission are prioritizing the recruitment of a specific left winger and an attacking midfielder, or a midfielder capable of supplying the forwards with quality service, rather than pursuing another pure attacker.
Ponce has overcome a lingering knee issue that briefly slowed his preseason pace. In the final friendlies against Ibiza and especially against La Nucía, he displayed his scoring form by netting two goals in the latest match, confirming his full recovery and readiness for the league opener.
Roger Martí arrived in solid condition after completing the summer training stint with Levante. The coach, Franciverde, fielded him from the start in the La Nucía friendly, pairing him with Ponce in the attack despite only three training sessions together. This setup underscored Martí and Ponce as the top two options for the league debut against Betis, illustrating the confidence placed in them by the coaching staff.
With Franciverde at the helm, Roger Martí and Pere Milla join Ponce as the potential trio up front. The Catalan player took a wider role in La Nucía out of necessity due to the absence of Fidel and Tete Morente, who were managing muscle discomfort. The plan is to reserve these players for the next match at Benito Villamarín, ensuring three forwards at the coach’s disposal: Ponce, Martí, and Milla.
Lucas Boyé is progressing well. He has established himself as the primary offensive reference and is shifting from a conservative approach to break through the earlier limitations that hindered him, including an adductor issue. The club remains confident that he will rejoin the group dynamics within two to three weeks, adding more attacking potency to the lineup.
Franchiverde’s number nine is showing a strong will to return. His recovery path is being managed to avoid any relapse that would force surgery, maintaining caution as the season begins. If Boyé meets the club’s timetable, the strike force might already be settled, reducing the need for additional signings up front.
Four forwards currently on the roster provide diverse profiles, offering Francisco multiple strategic options. Even the forwards who have helped the team with defensive duties are ready to contribute when needed. The coach’s plan leans toward playing with two targets, testing the Ponce-Martí pairing at La Nucía. Should a midfielder arrive, the possibility of a single-striker formation remains on the table, shaping ongoing planning and tactics.
In this framework, the forward squad is balanced by a mix of scorers and creators, designed to maximize scoring opportunities and maintain competitive balance throughout the season. The club’s focus remains on stability in attack while keeping flexibility for tactical shifts as injuries or form dictate. [citation: Elche CF transfer window analysis, internal report]