Elche has a lot of work to plan for next season in the Second Division
Elche CF will shift focus toward rebuilding after the latest match, already initiating talks with players whose contracts are about to expire and evaluating the squad for the upcoming campaign in the second tier. The club’s management is looking ahead, aiming to structure a competitive roster that can contend in the next season’s Second Division schedule.
Several players are in the spotlight as the club maps out its long-term plans. Names like Gerard Gumbau, Helibelton Palacios, and Pedro Bigas have been mentioned in discussions about who may depart. The head coach spoke with caution, indicating that formal decisions would be communicated once the season concludes and the full context of the squad’s needs is clear.
There is a sense of anticipation around the possibilities for the approach to next season. Speculation points to players such as Roco, Gonzalo Verdu, Pape Cheikh, Collado, and Lirola as potential candidates for changes, with some already ruled out of current plans and others still under review. Even among players still under contract, the club is exploring ways to create room for new arrangements that align with the club’s objectives for stability and progress.
There are also several cases where the future remains uncertain. Magellan, Nteka, and Josan have not had definitive decisions announced yet, leaving open the possibility of continuation alongside fresh assessments for the squad’s broader needs. Crevillent’s situation stands out as particularly meaningful; a player who developed through the youth ranks with deep ties to the club remains highly regarded and deeply invested in Elche’s fortunes.
Josan has expressed a strong desire to help Elche regain a place in the Primera Division. He has settled near the city, and his performances on the pitch have made a compelling case for his role in the team’s revival. If given opportunity, his pace and crossing ability could be pivotal in matches where Elche seeks to unlock stubborn defenses, especially in the competitive environment of the second division.
Elche’s veteran core faces heightened scrutiny as the season progresses. In the recent clash against Atlético Madrid, a change in the lineup saw Josan make an impactful contribution with his speed and width on the right, creating chances and energizing the stands with his movements and delivery into dangerous zones. This performance underscored Josan’s potential value, whether as a starter or as a dynamic option off the bench.
As the campaign moves forward, fitness and form will determine each player’s trajectory. After a period of time sidelined by injury, Josan has regained form and is showing the kind of influence that could shape late-season results. The coach has consistently viewed him as an attacking option, though his versatility would allow him to adapt to other roles as needed by the squad’s tactical plan. The upcoming decisions will hinge on Beccacece’s assessment and the club’s leadership’s strategic direction, balancing loyalty to players who have demonstrated commitment with the imperative to strengthen the squad for the challenges of Division Two.
The next four matches are crucial for the Crevillente-born stalwart and for the broader squad, as Elche aims to prove its competitiveness and secure a more stable footing in the league. For many fans, the duration and outcome of these final fixtures will heavily influence whether Beccacece and the club’s executives choose to renew and reinforce the core group, or to pivot toward fresh additions that align with the club’s longer-term ambitions. The tone of conversations indicates a careful, measured approach, prioritizing practical improvements while honoring the club’s history and identity.
Ultimately, the season’s closing stages will reveal a lot about the direction Elche plans to take. The evolving decisions around contracts and roles reflect a club intent on building a resilient, attacking-minded side capable of competing in the Second Division and paving the way for future success. The outcome will hinge on a combination of performance in the remaining games, the players’ readiness to contribute in higher-stakes matches, and the leadership’s willingness to align the squad with a clear, ambitious plan for renewal and growth.