Elche’s pursuit of defensive reinforcements centers on Franco Russo and others
Franco Russo, a former Mallorca defender, is being considered as a potential option for Elche’s defense. The Argentinian player, currently represented by Score Club for a month, is part of the agency portfolio linked to Christian Bragarnik, who has strong ties with Elche. As transfer talks heat up, Russo stands out as one of the more concrete possibilities for strengthening the Franjiverde back line.
Christian Bragarnik, who also owns a football club, holds Russo within his group of players. The Bulgarian First League side Ludogorets Razgrad is the club where Russo has been playing most recently within the current market window. This arrangement adds a layer of complexity to any potential move to Spain.
This 29-year-old Spanish football presence arrived in Spain with Espanyol in 2015, spending two seasons with the reserve team. He later represented Vilafranca and Ontinyet before signing with RCD Mallorca in 2018. During the 2019-2020 season, Russo went on loan to Ponferradina and returned to Mallorca thereafter. A notable transfer occurred after January of the previous year, a move tied to his departure from the island. Subsequently, he has competed in the Bulgarian First League, keeping a steady presence on the pitch.
The defender is keen on returning to Spain, and several scenarios could lead to Elche pursuing him. During his Mallorca days, he often played behind Valjent and Raíllo, serving as the third central defender and a reliable option to cover suspensions, injuries, or rotation for cup ties. While he never became a first-choice starter, he contributed a meaningful number of appearances and minutes on the field.
final stage
In Bulgaria, Russo registered 11 league appearances, with two matches featuring in European competition in the Conference League and two in national cup competitions. His current club has no European ambitions, and his contract runs until June 2026, which means Elche would need to negotiate a possible deal if they want to acquire him. Russo holds dual citizenship, including Italian, which could streamline his status as a foreign player under certain leagues’ rules.
Other options on Elche’s radar include two defenders who have attracted attention in recent discussions. Eric Curbelo from Las Palmas and Federico Gattoni from Seville are frequently mentioned as top targets, though both options come with their own complexities. The players wish to continue their careers in top-tier leagues, which could influence negotiations and timelines for any potential deal.
Éric Curbelo and Gattoni emerge as Elche’s defensive priorities
The Franjiverde club is actively looking to reinforce the back line with two new defenders. The potential arrivals could coincide with the departures of players who are not part of Beccacece’s plans. Álex Martín has drawn interest from several second division teams, notably Huesca, while Diego González’s contract has expired after limited playing time this season. The sports director, Sergio Mantecón, has indicated that new signings will come before any departures, signaling a strategic reshuffle aimed at restoring balance in the squad.
Ultimately, Elche seeks to solidify its defensive setup with players who can contribute immediately, while managing squad depth and long-term planning. The ongoing assessments reflect a careful approach to recruitment, balancing immediate needs with future potential and cost considerations. Source attributions reflect ongoing reporting and statements from club observers and local sports analysts. JA Galvan is among the observers noted in ongoing coverage.