About Sergio Mantecón, the technical secretary at Elche CF, there has been quiet talk this week. There have not been any offers or strong interest expressed for players currently under contract on the Elche roster. The club remains optimistic about next season and believes its squad is competitive enough to attract interest only if a compelling proposal arrives from a major league team.
The strategy for Elche is to lean heavily on its second division foundation while safeguarding the core players who form the backbone of the squad. Christian Bragarnik, the owner of the Franciverde club, has made clear that he will not part with any player unless a truly irrefutable offer lands on the table.
Yet football is unpredictable. Markets shift quickly, and deals that once looked impossible can suddenly appear on the table.
There are several Elche players who could attract attention from top clubs, particularly after the club’s relegation from higher leagues. Mallorca is among those clubs showing renewed interest as they search for reinforcements after Elche’s relegation. Their sporting director, Pablo Ortells, reportedly discussed potential moves with Pere Milla in January, but Bragarnik dismissed the possibility at that time.
At present, Mallorca’s approach looks persistent, even if the initial bid did not meet Bragarnik’s valuation.
The Catalan striker, who emerged prominently last season, has signed a three-year deal and remains under contract until 2025. After the team’s relegation, termination penalties were reconsidered, bringing the total to a lower figure similar to that experienced by teammates. Mallorca has shown interest in replacing ex-Elche forward Ángel Rodríguez, but financial constraints prevent a quick, large outlay despite the player receiving attractive terms elsewhere.
Photograph: Pere Milla celebrating a goal for Elche
Beyond individual targets, Pere Milla has repeatedly stated his desire to stay with Elche. He has expressed comfort with the environment and a clear wish to help the club win promotion and return to the top flight next season.
The defense-focused club Mallorca is also monitoring Omar Mascarell, viewed as a solid defensive midfielder. Mascarell extended his contract for three more years last summer, with his release clause reduced from ten to five million. He indicated that he would be open to remaining at Elche as long as the project remains aligned with promotion goals. Absent unforeseen developments, Mascarell is not expected to be sold, though he remains a player of interest to suitors.
Other Elche names that still carry considerable cachet in the top division include Edgar Badía and Lucas Boyé. The goalkeeper has shown consistent commitment to the club and has reportedly balanced personal life changes, including welcoming a new child, with his duties on the field. Although his market value has risen, the financial scale of many mid-table Premier League clubs makes a move challenging. Badía is currently under contract through 2025.
Edgar Badía and Lucas Boyé: Continuity and Ambition
Around Edgar Badía, the sense of loyalty and comfort in Elche remains strong. The club would be surprised to see him depart, especially given his long association with the city and club, and the rising but not exorbitant asking price. The value placed on Badía has climbed, reflecting his leadership in goal and consistency between the posts.
Lucas Boyé, meanwhile, has been the subject of intense interest from several teams across Spain, particularly Sevilla, which considered bids near the twelve-million-euro mark last year. Bragarnik has held firm on his price, not accepting offers below fifteen million, and while Boyé enjoyed a productive season, there is acknowledgement that performance fluctuates. A bid above ten million could reignite negotiations, though Bragarnik’s stance remains strategic rather than reactive.
As the market buzz grows, YouE Morente has been on the radar of various first-division clubs due to a strong finish to the campaign. Although his contract runs through next year and his release clause is not prohibitively high, Morente’s standing with Beccacece makes a transition more complicated. He remains a valued starter, and Beccacece’s confidence in him is a stabilizing factor for Elche’s promotion push.
Likewise, Ezequiel Ponce has drawn attention from clubs in Argentina and Greece. Reports have linked Boca Juniors and Paok Thessaloniki with the forward, who has seen limited minutes under the current coach. The club’s ownership is determined to recoup the four-million-euro investment made last year to acquire him from Spartak Moscow, complicating any potential exit in the near term.
In another vein, Nico Fernández is cited as part of Elche’s broader asset base. He is one of several players involving Beccacece’s plans, with Clerc and Lautaro Blanco seen as key contributors on the left. Salinas currently plays on loan at Mirandés, but the club’s valuation remains anchored to the original four million euro fee. San Lorenzo de Almagro retains signing rights through 2027, which may allow for a rental spell as part of a larger strategic rethink.
Overall, Elche’s board prioritizes a competitive squad capable of earning promotion, while carefully assessing offers that reflect the true value of players who can impact the team’s trajectory. The club’s approach balances safeguarding the present roster with strategic openness to market opportunities that may arise in the coming transfer windows. [Source: internal transfer assessments and public market chatter, attributed in market briefings and club communications.]