Elche looks to reinforce the defense in the winter window
Elche is pressing to strengthen the central defense as the winter market opens. The club, guided by its new coach Pablo Machín, understands the priority clearly: a solid pair of center backs to shore up the back line in the short term.
With Fede Fernández departing and John Chetauya facing a recovery that will keep him out until February, plus Enzo Roco’s Achilles issue, Elche already finds itself short at the back. After fourteen league games, the performance of the current defenders did not meet expectations. The coach’s idea of deploying three central defenders adds urgency to securing reliable options in January.
John won’t be available for more than two months
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technical secretary Sergio Mantecón is reviewing potential signings while acknowledging the challenges created by Elche’s current competitive situation and the World Cup break. Club representatives have indicated patience, suggesting that moves may wait until after the World Cup concludes.
World Cup pauses Elche’s transfer plans
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Christian Bragarnik, the principal shareholder, is in Qatar for the World Cup final days. When fútbol resumes, negotiations are expected to intensify with a focus on finding a destination for Fede Fernández and Pastore, freeing salary space for new additions and potential mergers that could reorganize the payroll landscape. This approach hinges on the availability of players and the willingness of clubs to negotiate during the window.
Bragarnik watching the World Cup in Qatar while scouting Elche
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On the sports commission list, two names stand out as fits for Elche. One is Esteban Saveljich, an Argentine center back who has Premier League experience with Rayo Vallecano, and the other is Mario Gil, a young defender from Lazio with potential to grow alongside the team. The newspaper has already reported interest in Saveljich and is monitoring the situation around Gil.
Elche pursues Saveljich
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Saveljich brings central defensive experience from top-flight football, and Elche intends to add him to the back line that currently includes Andoni Iraola’s squad in the planning. The player’s contract runs through summer, and Elche hopes to persuade him with a prominent role at Martínez Valero. Lazio would require financial compensation for a move, and the final decision will depend on negotiations and the player’s willingness to switch to Elche. A move would be considered highly beneficial given his profile as a first-division centre-back, though it faces several hurdles.
The photos show Saveljich during a match with Rayo Vallecano, highlighting why he is viewed as a quality target and a potential fit for Elche’s defense. The fact that Bragarnik is Argentine and has many compatriots within the franchise could tip the scales in Elche’s favor, though the process remains complex.
The club is also eyeing Mario Gila, a 22-year-old with limited time in the Primera División but marked by a strong future. Gila, a Barcelona native, developed in Real Madrid’s youth setup, and made his first-team debut with Carlo Ancelotti. He transferred to Lazio last summer for a substantial fee but has played sparingly in Serie A. He saw more action in Europa League, yet Lazio struggled to reach European competition and faced relegation from the Conference League. The obstacle remains Lazio’s reluctance to part with a player they invested in significantly. A loan could be a plausible path, ensuring Elche receives minutes and development for Gila while Lazio preserves potential value.
Like Saveljich, signing Gila would depend on a blend of player willingness and contractual practicality. Elche would view him as a valuable addition who could contribute immediately and grow in the squad, but the negotiation remains delicate and contingent on several factors.
Pictures of Mario Gila in conversation with Lazio illustrate the potential but also the challenges ahead. In the end, the market timing is crucial. January openings can be decisive, yet moves often hinge on the willingness of players and parent clubs to strike deals.
The stock exchange window opens on January 2, and Machín wants new players in quickly to accelerate adaptation. Three key league fixtures in January against Celta, Cádiz, and Osasuna loom large, shaping the urgency for reinforcements. Bragarnik’s stance has kept the market calm up to now, but the World Cup’s end will likely unleash activity as clubs reassess priorities and budgets.