Elche Eagerly Maps a New Season in the Second Division
Elche CF is already laying the groundwork for a fresh campaign, targeting a climb back to the top level after the next season in the Second Division. The club’s first objective is clear: rise, return, and secure a solid foothold in the second tier before aiming for promotion again.
The club has begun formal discussions with several players who drew attention for the upcoming season. Among them are three who had their contracts expire on June 30: Gerard Gumbau, Helibelton Palacios, and Pedro Bigas. Recent reporting indicates Elche intends to refresh the squad while keeping a strong core intact as the team eyes a competitive resurgence.
Elche faces a substantial workload as it plans for life in the Second Division. The preparation process is underway, and the club is actively evaluating potential moves that could reshape the midfield and overall balance of the squad.
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The Catalan midfielder stands out as a particularly compelling option. While the previous season’s results were not ideal, his performance both last year and this year has been notably impressive. The Frangiverde foundation and coach Sebastián Beccacece see Gumbau as a potential linchpin for next season, capable of influencing play in the midfield with expertise in set pieces and strategic coverage of the central areas.
Yet the future is not fully decided. Gumbau is weighing his options, and the possibility of continuing in Spain’s first division could depend on the right scenario. His strong showings at Elche, especially in challenging moments, may open doors beyond the second tier, potentially in top-flight football, should a suitable opportunity arise.
Throughout the current season, Gumbau appeared in 30 league matches, accumulating substantial minutes, and played in three cup fixtures. His professionalism never wavered, and he remained visibly affected by defeats and by Elche’s unsuccessful results in certain stretches.
Since arriving from Girona in the summer of 2021, Gumbau has settled comfortably into the club and the city, delivering consistent performances. He has not hesitated to defend the team’s line and contribute offensively, signaling a readiness to elevate his level if a viable offer comes from a club contending for a return to the top tier. At 28, he sits in prime years and remains open to growth and new challenges.
Sources connected to Elche indicate that the club is well aware of these dynamics. The franchisor sees a potential move that could be financially significant, yet any offer from the first division would need to align with the club’s long-term plans. A renewal may hinge on the pursuit of a higher-tier opportunity, and all parties are watching how negotiations unfold in the coming weeks.
What the Catalan midfielder has communicated to teammates and management is clear: Elche will remain his primary option in the Second Division, regardless of any competing offers, underscoring the player’s loyalty and the club’s intent to prioritize stability in the squad as a foundation for promotion.
Frangiverde’s leadership is also actively scouring the market for an organized midfielder who can take on a broader role and fill any gaps left by departures. The goal is to maintain a cohesive engine in the middle of the park that can drive the team toward success across the season.
Helibelton Palacios and Bigas
For Helibelton Palacios and Pedro Bigas, the door to renewal remains open, though it is not without its challenges. Both players are weighing options and seeking a path that could keep them in the top division, should the right opportunity arise. The club recognizes the value they bring but also understands the need to evaluate alternate possibilities that could strengthen the squad for the long haul.
With ample time ahead, the summer window is shaping up to be a lengthy and strategic phase. Elche aims to construct a robust roster from the outset, one capable of mounting a serious challenge and pushing for promotion as early as possible. The process will require balance, patience, and smart recruitment to build a team that can endure a demanding campaign in the Second Division.