Elche enters the final week of the transfer window with multiple priorities
The winter transfer window closes at midnight on Thursday, February 1. Elche CF is accelerating plans to meet the coach’s expectations by reinforcing the squad with two wingers, a striker, a centre-back, and a midfielder.
In recent days, Elche added goalkeeper Matías Dituro and forward Manu Nieto to the squad, while letting go of Edgar Badía (to Real Zaragoza), Álex Martín (to Racing de Ferrol), and Sergio León (to Eibar). A new movement involves Arnau Puigmal, a versatile midfielder from Almería who has shown potential across several positions. The 23-year-old, who has represented Spain at the under-19 level, previously spent time with Manchester United before joining Almería last season, and now is set to become a key option for Elche.
Sergio León is packing his bags to leave Elche
The departure of Arnau Puigmal from Almería to Elche marks another strategic shift for the squad. Puigmal, born January 10, 2001 in Barcelona, has spent three seasons with Almería. He played a crucial role in securing promotion to the First Division in the 2021-2022 campaign, appearing in 33 matches with 13 starts and scoring five goals. Last season he featured in 22 league matches, starting seven of them, and this campaign has seen fewer appearances so far, with 11 league matches and limited playing time in cup competitions.
Puigmal is described as a right winger who can operate as a midfielder, central midfielder, and even cover as a right back. Coaches view him as a versatile talent who can add depth and creativity to Elche’s midfield and attacking options. He recently endured a hamstring injury, which briefly sidelined him, but reports indicate a full recovery and readiness to train and contribute again.
Elche and Almería agreed on Puigmal’s loan for the remainder of the season, with the option to buy if Elche achieves promotion to La Liga. The loan would keep Puigmal tied to his parent club through 2026, unless a transfer becomes permanent in the event of promotion. Should the promotion not materialize, Puigmal would return to Almería, with considerations about his next move in football’s landscape.
Elche’s new signing is expected to arrive this afternoon for a medical examination, after which both clubs will formalize the deal. This marks Elche’s third transfer of the winter window, following the arrivals of Dituro and Nieto, as the club doubles down on strengthening the squad ahead of the closing deadline.
Overall, Elche faces a busy week as it reshapes the squad with strategic pieces designed to improve balance and impact in the second half of the season. The emphasis remains on integrating Puigmal smoothly, ensuring he adapts quickly to the team’s style and tactical requirements, and maintaining momentum in pursuit of the club’s objectives in domestic competition. (Source: local transfer beats, attribution to reporting staff and club statements.)