Only one week remains until the deadline. At midnight next Wednesday, December 31, the winter window for Elche CF closes.
So far, the club has reinforced the squad with two arrivals: Manu Nieto and goalkeeper Matías Dituro. Departures include Edgar Badía, who went on loan to Real Zaragoza, and center back Alex Martín, who will spend the season on loan at Ferrol.
Elche’s owner, Christian Bragarnik, has settled into a steady rhythm. As the club’s largest shareholder, he has grown accustomed to watching the market from the position he holds after acquiring the majority stake from José Sepulcre. His dual role as owner and agent means late moves remain possible, with potential price reductions and more intricate decision-making as the window narrows.
Former Elche sports director Víctor Orta notes that the market tends to intensify from January 20 to January 31. Those dates have arrived, and Bragarnik faces a busy stretch with many decisions ahead.
Ram and Sebastián Beccacece have outlined a plan to add three to four players: a central striker, two wingers (one on the left and one on the right), and at least one central defender. They may also consider last minute departures that could reshape the squad composition.
The owner maintains a long list of vetted names from the technical commission and is ready to press the green light when the moment arrives.
Among potential exits, Lautaro Blanco, Sergio León, and Raúl Guti stand out as the most likely departures from the Franjiverde setup.
The Argentine left back and Córdoba forward were not included in the squad for Sunday’s match against Tenerife. Zaragoza’s midfielder was present but did not take the field.
Currently, Elche’s top shareholder remains unconvinced by offers for Lautaro Blanco, Sergio León, and Raúl Guti.
Nevertheless, indications point toward an eventual agreement, especially on Lautaro’s exit given his foreign-position status; Sergio León’s standing with Beccacece also points toward a move.
The departure of Guti, who faces stiff competition in midfield, appears to be the preferred outcome. The club hopes to recoup part of the roughly 5 million invested in 2020, with Guti aiming to return to La Romareda.
Calm but poised as Elche balances futures of Lautaro, Raúl Guti and Sergio León
Transfers remain unsettled in the short term.
On the defensive side, Elche has three center-back targets under consideration: Federico Gattoni (Sevilla), Éric Curbelo (Las Palmas), and Franco Russo (Ludogorets Razgrad).
Three pathways are being developed gradually, and the club believes at least one could reach Martínez Valero before the window closes.
Franco Russo emerges as alternative in Elche’s defensive plan
The priority is to strengthen the attack. Beccacece’s team has struggled to score, so a forward who can deliver goals will be crucial. If Sergio León moves on, two more attackers could be pursued.
Weissman from Granada remains a distant option despite several offers.
Choco Lozano could present a bold late option. This Getafe forward, highly sought after by several clubs, has found minutes limited at Bordalás’ side and may be tempted by Elche’s proposal.
Lozano has traditionally preferred staying in La Liga, but with minutes scarce, he might consider Elche’s offer. Elche has also faced challenges securing the right winger, with Miguel Rodríguez (Celta) slipping away at the last moment.
Hugo González from Valencia’s reserve squad is another option, though concerns about inexperience temper enthusiasm for this landing.
Beyond this, Sergio Bermejo (Zaragoza) remains a potential piece. If a superior option cannot be found, Elche could reassess a move to free up space for Guti’s departure, balancing the midfield and recouping a portion of the investment already made.