A month has passed since Elche concluded the 2022/23 season on June 4. This Monday, the squad will reconvene. On the opening day of the 2023/24 campaign, the objective is clear: regain a spot in the Premier League.
Several players will be present for the gathering. In fact, there are few changes to announce. Salinas and Mourad, returning on loan to Mirandés and Burgos respectively for the season in the Second Division, are the only newcomers, though they already belonged to Elche’s assets. The other 14 members who form the core list of 16 A team players are: Edgar Badía, Pedro Bigas, Diego González, Josan, Clerc, Lautaro Blanco, Nico Fernández Mercau, John, Fidel, Raúl Guti, Tete Morente, Pere Milla, Ponce and Boyé. It remains uncertain whether all will be part of the project for the upcoming season. In preparation, a few players from the youth squad may be given chances to prove their worth to Beccacece. John stands as a touchstone to gauge who can join the group.
Twelve players left during the summer window. Four have returned to their parent clubs after loans (Carmona, Collado, Pol Lirola and Nteka), three have taken on new roles (Mascarell, Helibelton Palacios and Magallán), and five are currently without a club (Gumbau, Enzo Roco, Gonzalo Verdú, Pape Cheikh and Werner). This is essentially the pool the club plans to address before August ends, when the transfer window closes on the official date.
The initial aim at Martínez Valero’s stage was to secure two or three reinforcements by this point. Although there were no anticipated obstacles, nothing became official yet. Likewise, talks with France Pérez are expected to finalize with Valencia within the week. A third piece, Oriol Rey, was offered, but the midfielder decided to sign with Levante.
Elche convinced Fran Pérez
david marin
Even with a solid backbone, the squad still needs a few more pieces to complete the picture. In addition to the Argentine striker, Badía in goal, Bigas in defense, and Fidel in midfield are key pillars expected to support the team. After Gonzalo Verdú’s departure, a new captaincy could fall to him unless Beccacece designates another leader.
After weeks of dormancy following a demanding previous season, Elche began focusing on reclaiming promotion. Players returned from vacation with plans to stay in shape, and some showcased their fitness on social media.
Two stages
In the coming days, the team will undergo a series of physical and medical tests, classic elements of any preseason. Through July 9, sessions will take place at Martínez Valero and Díez Iborra in Elche. Afterwards, the coaching staff arranged two preparation blocks at the La Finca Resort facilities in Algorfa. The first runs July 10–15, and the second July 24–29.
Good start for Elche, tough start for Eldense
JA Galvanized
By this point, the calendar already includes several warm-up friendlies against England’s Rotherham United and Second Division rivals Cartagena and Tenerife. The Festa d’Elx Trophy remains a marquee fixture awaited by fans.
Beccacece laid out the training plan after arriving on solid footing, despite initial doubts. The Argentine coach aims to sustain the positive momentum from the end of the 2022/23 season and demonstrate leadership with a squad that has worked hard from day one, not taking relegation for granted. Responsibility sits with the Elche bench.