Elche CF’s Transfer Window Outlook and Squad Plan
Although more than 15 days remain before the transfer window closes, Elche CF appears to have practically shaped its squad. The club has already signaled its intent to include Álex Collado, with Francisco promising that if one more midfielder is brought in, the roster could be considered complete.
If the Franjiverde coach’s preferences are met, Elche is expected to move five players or renewals in the market, specifically Carlos Clerc, Roger Martí, Pol Lirola, Álex Collado, and a future midfielder. They may also renew two important players whose futures are uncertain, Omer Mascarell and Pere Milla. Additionally, it is possible Elche could sell its two most sought-after talents, Lucas Boyé and Johan Mojica.
The coach from Almería ruled out signing a new goalkeeper and ultimately decided against Axel Werner, though initial plans had considered a goalkeeper to push Edgar Badia. “We wanted to see Axel in the pre-season. We weighed the option of a goalkeeper, but in the end we chose to move forward with Edgar Badia, Axel, and the youth product Jesús,” he explained.
There is also talk of reinforcing the left flank, though the squad currently has no natural fit there. “With Fidel, Tete Morente, Pere Milla, who can operate in that role, and other players who can cover there, we’re confident and not pressing for a change,” Francisco noted.
What the Elche coach does not ignore is Gonzalo Verdú’s injury. Pedro Bigas’s recent issues also push the club to consider a defender purchase only if a strong opportunity arises late in the market. “If something interesting comes up, we’ll evaluate it, but it isn’t a priority. Verdú needs surgery but is recovering and should join us soon. It’s a possibility only if an appealing option appears,” he stated.
23 professionals, John and Jesús
If the requested defensive midfielder signature from Francisco materializes, Elche could face competition. John Chetauya will receive 23 professional players plus a dossier from the academy; Jesús López will serve as the third baseman, training with the first team and appearing with the reserve squad.
There are other homegrown players such as Knezevic, Rodrigo Mendoza, Pamies, Carles Marcos, and Alvaro, who will join the first-team dynamics depending on needs. Serbian youngster Bane Knezevic and under-17 international Rodrigo Mendoza are expected to be part of the first team, as Francisco intends to monitor them closely since they show potential to make a splash.
At present, the goalkeeping duties are held by Edgar Badía and Axel Werner, with the Catalan clearly favored. In defense, the right side will see Helibelton Palacios and Pol Lirola competing for a spot. The Colombian impressed in pre-season, but Lirola’s versatility allows him to play in both right-back and wing-back roles, including in the latest friendly against La Nucía. In the center, with Verdú’s injury, Elche may start the season with three defenders: Enzo Roco, Diego González, and Pedro Bigas, with the Chilean and Cadiz-bound defender showing playmaking potential in recent weeks.
In the midfield, Omar Mascarell remains the anchor while in form, and Francisco seeks someone with a similar profile to close games with tenacity or offer additional defensive cover. John Chetauya can also double as a central defender, while Gerard Gumbau, Raúl Guti, and Álex Collado are expected to organize play from the middle. Pastore could join when ready.
On the wings, Josan anchors the right, with Tete Morente and on the left Fidel and Pere Milla capable of cutting in. In attack, Ezekiel Elliott, Roger Martí, and Lucas Boyé will be key once Boyé recovers from injury and returns to action.
Elche CF remains focused on shaping a competitive squad as the transfer window approaches its close, weighing internal progress against the chance to add fresh talent that strengthens the team’s balance across defense, midfield, and attack. [Citation: Club communications and match reports]