The Curse of Elche’s Central Defenders
Elche CF welcomed a new face this Tuesday during the official presentation of Lautaro Blanco, a signing the club hopes will reinforce their defense during the winter market. The priority remains to add a center back who can immediately contribute to the squad’s stability at the back.
The position has been a weakness after Fede Fernández left the club and injuries hit Diego González, Enzo Roco, and young prospect Jhon Chetauya. Pablo Machín has had to rely on Gonzalo Verdu and Pedro Bigas, even though the latter is more naturally a winger. Helibelton Palacios and Carlos Clerc are adapting to central roles and may, in fact, step into a central position more often than their traditional lanes would suggest.
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The club intends to secure two defenders in the winter window and move quickly to integrate them into the template, ensuring they adapt smoothly to the tactical demands from day one.
The sports management and technical secretariat are exploring multiple options. They caution that no bids or deals are confirmed until signatures are made. The squad faces a shortage of defensive options due to injuries, and there is a hope that a new player can join soon to bolster the line.
Joaquín Buitrago reflected on the situation during Blanco’s presentation. He emphasized that discussions are ongoing and that no formal agreement has been reached yet. The injuries at the back have left Elche with fewer choices, and the club is actively seeking a timely reinforcement.
Fede Fernández and Pastore’s Agreement
Elche’s president also touched on negotiations surrounding Fede Fernández and Javier Pastore. Several weeks ago it was reported that both players were no longer with the club, had not attended training in Oliva, and had left Elche. The club is pursuing settlements and evaluating exit options, hoping to reach a resolution soon.
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In addition, Buitrago highlighted Blanco’s attributes and commitment, noting that the young Argentine player has quickly impressed within the Franjiverde setup. He described Blanco as a rapidly developing talent whose arrival has set high expectations. Blanco is known for his defensive solidity and his ongoing drive to improve, which Elche hopes will translate into tangible benefits for the squad.
The club’s leadership also expressed a strong desire for Blanco to contribute as soon as possible. Although Blanco cannot participate in competitive matches until January and recently finished his season with Rosario Central, the plan is for him to join the squad during training to accelerate his integration and help steer the team out of a difficult stretch. He is viewed as a player with significant potential and a bright future ahead.
The exchange around Blanco underscores Elche’s broader aim: to strengthen the defense with immediate impact, while also laying groundwork for a longer-term rebuild. The mix of experienced shoulders and promising young talents could bring balance to a team that has faced setbacks this season. As the winter market unfolds, fans will be watching closely for how quickly these moves translate into improved results on the field.
Overall, the club remains focused on stabilizing the back line and ensuring the squad can compete at a higher level. The upcoming weeks will be decisive as management weighs multiple defensive options, negotiates terms, and looks to finalize deals that can help Elche regain momentum in the league. Blanco’s arrival adds a new layer of depth, and the potential departures of Fernández and Pastore are being handled with careful planning to avoid disruptions. The next steps will determine how swiftly Elche can recover form and climb the table as the season advances.