EVALUATION OF ELCHE FOOTBALL PLAYERS AT THE END OF THE SEASON
As the season wraps up, evaluations are finalized and end-of-course grades are submitted. Elche shows a positive storyline in this closeout. Earlier reports highlighted that the club delivered the strongest return on investment in the 2020/21 season, and current data confirms that the pattern continued into 2021/22, marking a notable upturn in the campaign’s value metrics.
Transfermarkt, a widely cited portal that tracks player market values and updates every two weeks, places Elche as the most valuable squad in La Liga when considering the end of the summer window and the season’s close. The late-season figure was gathered on June 1, after the summer market had reopened and the season concluded. This positioning followed a substantial rise from 49.1 million euros in September to 65.6 million euros, a 33.6 percent increase that outpaced the rest of the league. Among peers, Villarreal and Rayo Vallecano trailed with gains of 29.3 percent and 28.5 percent respectively, while Cádiz and Espanyol also surpassed 25 percent. Other teams showed more modest improvements and balanced overall value growth across the league.
Analysts note that the rest of La Liga faced a tougher end of the season in market terms. Eleven other Primera teams finished with rosters that were less valuable than at the start of the year. The steepest decline belonged to Levante, whose value slipped from 109.8 million euros to 73.9 million, a 32.7 percent drop. Celta and Atlético Madrid followed with declines of 21.3 percent and 19.9 percent respectively, underscoring a broader trend in market valuations for the season. Real Madrid and Barcelona also saw depreciation in their squad valuations despite on-field successes and strategic reinforcements during the winter period, leaving the league-wide devaluation around 3.1 percent overall.
Elche’s performance stands out in this context. The club began 2021/22 with one of the lowest combined values among first-team squads, just ahead of Cádiz and Rayo Vallecano, yet advanced past rivals such as Alavés and Mallorca by season’s end. This trajectory suggests room for continued growth and sustained development in market standing in the coming year for the Elche roster and its management strategy.
PLAYER VALUATIONS AT THE SEASON’S END
Edgar Badía: 3 million euros. The season’s strong showing helped him double his market value, aided by a national-team call that boosted recognition, with more confirmation likely on the horizon.
Joaquín Box: 0.7 million euros. A slight decline from a higher point, reflecting reduced minutes and team changes; historic peaks reached around 7.5 million during Real Madrid years, underscoring the variability of a goalkeeper’s market value.
Palacios: 1.2 million euros. A cautious, steady rise that mirrors consistent contributions to the squad and ongoing consideration for inclusion in future listings.
Barragán: 0.6 million euros. The lowest value among the first-team players, aligning with a departure plan and a career trajectory that has seen higher peaks earlier in his path.
Enzo Rocobo: 2 million euros. Value has grown since the summer, staying on track with prior levels reached in past stints and reflecting a continued role in the squad.
Peter Bigas: 1 million euros. A slight decline from the previous year, likely tied to injuries and competition for starting spots during 21/22.
Gonzalo Verdu: 0.7 million euros. The captain faced a setback in securing a fixed starting role, yet remains valued for leadership and depth in the squad.
Diego González: 2 million euros. Strong performance through the season kept his value stable and even rising at times; renewal discussions were anticipated.
Mojika: 5 million euros. A standout season pushed his value up from two to five million, with stakeholders citing strong form and future potential as drivers.
Olaza: 2.5 million euros. Limited playing time contributed to a dip in value since January arrival, though earlier months saw a peak near six million euros.
Omar Mascarell: 4 million euros. A solid season reestablished his market position, though not at the peak reached in 2019, leaving room for rebound in the next cycle.
Okra: 3 million euros. A late arrival that increased his market value significantly, marking a career-high level in the current arc.
Raúl Guti: 4 million euros. A steady trajectory with youth and solid form supporting his market appeal, suggesting further upside potential.
Marcone: 2 million euros. A downward trend since joining Elche, with the best value observed earlier during the club’s stint in higher competition levels.
Kike Pérez: 1.5 million euros. The transfer window gained value, though the option to purchase remained a premium, keeping the overall assessment nuanced.
Shepherd: 0.9 million euros. Injury challenges continued to affect availability and the valuation, with a notable drop relative to earlier peaks.
Tete Morente: 3 million euros. A season that doubled his value, highlighted by bright moments that drew attention from clubs abroad and favorable market reception.
Josan: 1 million euros. A return to a six-figure valuation after previously peaking higher in other stages of his career, with clear upward momentum in Elche’s context.
Loyalty: 2 million euros. The veteran’s continued influence and experience kept him in consideration, though age and form shape the current valuation cap.
Infantry: 1 million euros. A decline from peak years, signaling a shift in role and the likelihood of another roster transition in the future.
Peter Milla: 3 million euros. A strong finish pushed him from a modest 1.8 million to a career-high three million, reflecting growing importance in the squad and contract considerations.
Lucas Boy: 15 million euros. A significant surge driven by consistent performances, recovery from injuries, strong offers from bigger clubs, and a national team call-up, marking a high point in his market value.
Cheek: 1.5 million euros. Ongoing contributions across the field, with historical benchmarks suggesting a potential for higher peaks in coming seasons.
Eze Ponce: 5 million euros. Valued at seven pounds when he arrived, his potential has continued to draw interest despite some early-season inconsistencies.