HE Elche CF. The signing ceremony for the young midfielder Arnau Puigmal was concluded after a medical evaluation, which is scheduled for Wednesday. The 24-year-old player arrives on loan from Almería, with an option for Elche to purchase if promotion to the First Division is achieved.
Elche completed the transfer of versatile midfielder Arnau Puigmal
Arnau Puigmal Martínez, born in Barcelona on January 10, 2001, is a dynamic midfielder known for his high work rate and technical quality. He can operate across the midfield and even fill in at right-back, giving his coaches flexibility to adapt formations on match day.
A product of Espanyol’s youth system, Puigmal drew early attention from major clubs, including Manchester United, which signed him during his teenage years. While he did not debut for the United first team, he featured prominently in the youth ranks and represented Spain at the Under-19 level.
Puigmal spent his formative years developing across Spain and abroad, eventually returning to Spain at age 20 to join Almería. In the 2021-2022 season, he emerged as a key player for the Andalusian club, contributing to their promotion campaign under Rubi. He played a total of 33 league matches, amassing 1,358 minutes, and started 13 times, often making a noticeable impact in the latter portions of games.
In the subsequent season, Puigmal made his top-flight debut and appeared in 22 La Liga matches, clocking 759 minutes, with seven starts. His progress continued as he adapted to the higher level, demonstrating his versatility and willingness to contribute in multiple roles on the pitch.
In the following period, his playing time decreased to 11 appearances and 250 minutes, with three starts. He also participated in the early rounds of the Copa del Rey before the winter window closed.
Several Segunda Division clubs showed interest in Puigmal. Real Zaragoza had reached an agreement, but the deal collapsed after a hamstring injury in January, delaying his availability. Club executives indicated Puigmal would be ready to contribute again once fully recovered, and there was optimism about his outlook for the near term.
Sources indicated Puigmal was nearing readiness and could be cleared to play within a few weeks, depending on medical clearance and conditioning.
Elche’s medical and sports commissions tracked Puigmal closely, and if medical checks pass, the loan deal will be finalized through the end of the season with an option to buy if Elche achieves promotion to the First Division.
If the goals set by the club are not reached, Puigmal has also kept an eye on opportunities in the United States Major League Soccer for the following season. Still, his priority remains to succeed with Elche and in Spanish football.
Puigmal is comfortable in multiple positions. At Almería he operated as a central midfielder and as an inside winger, and he has also filled in as a right back in a five-man defense. His robust technique and tireless work rate have made him a favorite among coaches who value intensity and tactical intelligence on the field.
SPA men’s team head coach Sebastián Beccacece has expressed appreciation for Puigmal’s profile, noting that his energy and ball-handling ability fit the system the coach favors. Puigmal’s adaptability mirrors the path of players who thrive by performing a variety of tasks across the midfield and wide zones. He has drawn comparisons to players who excel in both central and wide roles, underscoring his potential impact in Elche’s plans.
The winter transfer window closes at midnight on February 1, and Elche aims to strengthen the squad with arrivals that address the coach’s priorities: two wide players, a forward, a central defender, and a midfielder. Puigmal’s addition would be the third signing for the Franjiverde in this window, following earlier arrivals.
Elche enters the last week of the market with many tasks
Puigmal could fulfill the dual role of midfielder and winger, which could prevent a merger of roles on the field. The young Catalan is on track to become the third signing for the Franjiverde in this January window, following the arrivals of a goalkeeper and a forward, as well as one more new addition. The signings are designed to bolster depth across midfield and attack, while preserving balance in defense.
In this window, several departures have taken place: Edgar Badia has left for Real Zaragoza, Álex Martín moved to Racing de Ferrol, and Sergio León transferred to Eibar. The club expects Puigmal to finalize the medical checks and be available to contribute shortly after the completion of formalities. The next fixture, against Burgos, is anticipated with fans hopeful for his debut in the near term. Amorebieta remains a potential opponent in the schedule.
CITATION: Elche CF transfer updates and player profiles from club announcements and sports press coverage.