Elche’s defense has stood out as the-season’s most solid unit, even as the club navigates a rocky campaign. Facing the winter transfer window, coach Pablo Machín pressed for defensive reinforcements to steady the ship and secure survival.
Two new arrivals have joined the back line so far: Lisandro Magallán and José Ángel Carmona. Added to them was an August signing, Lautaro White, a left back. If Machín has his say, the defender group is far from complete. He wants one more proven center back with a clear first and last name in mind.
Aridane Hernández is seen as Elche’s principal target to shore up the defense. The 33-year-old Osasuna veteran is the player Soriano’s coach has identified to help finish the rebuild, and Machín has not tried to hide his interest in acquiring him.
Aridane fits the defensive axis perfectly, and Machín would welcome his arrival if both clubs can reach an agreement. The player is in his sixth season with Osasuna, having joined them in the second division in 2017 and earned promotion with the club the next year. His best top-flight form came in 2019/20, when he appeared 29 times and scored three goals. Given his physical condition and experience, Elche views him as a ideal match for the squad. Good ties with technical secretary Sergio Mantecón and local connections with Elda could work in Elche’s favor.
Until the end of January, Elche intends to persuade Machín and move to seal Aridane’s transfer. Negotiations hinge on the Navarre club’s willingness to let him go. He has appeared in only four league games this season, so his arrival would add depth to Magallán and Carmona as reinforcements for the battered central area. The two newcomers, one Argentine center back and one Andalusian who can play centrally or out wide, would widen the options for the defense.
Elche’s defense remains a concern amid ongoing instability
Elche’s back line has given several coaches headaches this season. The team that conceded the most goals in the league has struggled for security and continuity due to injuries, suspensions, and inconsistent performances.
Throughout the campaign, Elche has used only a single consistent back four on a few occasions. The setup then featured Pol Lirola and Mojica on the flanks with Enzo on the other wing, and Roco paired with Pedro Bigas at center-back in the games against Almería and Real Sociedad. The defensive rotation has been a hallmark of a season in which stability has been scarce.
ELCHE’S BACKLINE HOW IT LOOKED IN 2022/23
Betis: Palacios, John, Roco, Bigas and Mojica
Almería: Lirola, Roco, Bigas and Mojica
Real Sociedad: Lirola, Roco, Bigas and Mojica
Villarreal: Palacios, Roco, Bigas and Clerc
Athletic: Lirola, Roco, Bigas and Nico
Barcelona: Palacios, John, Verdu, Bigas and Clerc
Rayo Vallecano: Lirola, Palacios, Fede Fernández, Diego González and Clerc
Majorca: Josan, Palacios, Verdu, Bigas and Clerc
Valencia: Josan, Palacios, Roco, Bigas and Clerc
Real Madrid: Palacios, Verdu, Bigas and Clerc
Espanyol: Palacios, Roco, Verdú, Bigas and Clerc
Getafe: Lirola, Roco, Verdú, Bigas and Clerc
Valladolid: Lirola, Roco, Bigas and Clerc
Girona: Lirola, Roco, Diego González and Clerc
Athletic: Palacios, Diego González, Verdú, Bigas and Clerc
Celtic: Morente, Palacios, Diego González, Bigas and Clerc
As the weeks unfolded, a flurry of changes followed, with Machín hoping to maintain a stable lineup for the next match. Carmona and Magallán were both in contention for the upcoming game, with one likely to start and the other perhaps to come on as a substitute if fitness allowed. The goal was to add both to the squad while navigating the practical realities of match time and squad depth.
Elche’s ongoing struggle is clear: defensive fragility is their endemic issue and counter-tactics are frequently tested. The back line has not only conceded heavily but also faced disruptions that have prevented a consistent, trusted pairing from forming. This season has underscored the need for a reliable defensive structure that can adapt to pace, pressure, and tactical variety across opponents.
In 2022/23, different coaches experimented with a five-man defense in several fixtures, while the core idea remained a compact, three-center-back arrangement with two wing options. The recruitment push aims to solidify the rear axis, providing the bite and balance needed to grow from the current shortfalls. The real question remains whether the club can finalize these defensive reinforcements in time to impact the campaign meaningfully. A renewed, more resilient backline could change the trajectory of results and bring a steadier defensive rhythm to Elche’s play.
Marking the shift, Elche looks to lock in a more dependable central spine as the January window closes. The club’s plan centers on integrating Magallán, Carmona, and potentially Aridane into a cohesive unit that can offer security at the back and help transition the team toward improved performances in the final stretch of the season. This strategic push reflects a desire to restore balance, reduce goals against, and build a foundation for future success. [Citation: Marca] [Citation: EFE] [Citation: Local reports]