In the latest Copa del Rey round of 32, Elche CF made a surprising move by fielding Miguel San Román in the starting XI. Until that moment, Edgar Badia had been the club’s first-choice goalkeeper for the previous two rounds, stepping in as a substitute during the league campaign and maintaining a steady presence between the posts for the Franjiverdes.
Two lights from Girona put an end to Elche’s momentum
JA Galvan
At the end of the incident, reports circulated that Badia was set to depart Elche and seek a loan spell at Real Zaragoza through the remainder of the season. The Elche coach, Sebastian Beccacece, acknowledged the situation as well. He noted Badia’s advanced stage of negotiations and emphasized the goalkeeper’s impact on the fans, not only for his performances but for his professional conduct throughout a challenging period. Given the circumstances, Beccacece explained that he spoke with Badia before the match and ultimately decided to start San Román.
Beccacece added that the decision also underscored the human side of Edgar Badia. He highlighted that Badia had earned a special place in the hearts of supporters, and his family could be proud of his efforts. The coach’s remarks suggested that Badia’s departure could be imminent, reflecting the club’s broader goal of reshaping the squad depth in this phase of the season.
Edgar Badia, widely respected for his reaction and leadership, has been a beloved figure since arriving at Elche in January during the winter market of the 2018-2019 campaign. His nickname, “El Santo,” originated from a series of crucial saves that endeared him to the fans. The Catalan goalkeeper played a pivotal role in Barcelona’s promotion to La Liga in the 2019-2020 season, and although Fran Escriba once favored Gazzaniga during a particular stretch, Badia remained a prominent figure for the squad. His early impact continued to define his tenure as a cornerstone of the Franjiverde backline during Elche’s ascent through the top flight.
As Beccacece’s tactical plans evolved, Badia remained a regular in the starting lineup through the first part of the season. He started the first seven matchdays, earning the trust of the coach and the club. However, after a defeat at Burgos, the Argentine manager opted for San Román, shifting Badia to the bench. Since then, Badia has appeared primarily in the Cup qualifiers against Europa and Linares, signaling a potential strategic shift as Elche navigates a busy calendar with a focus on cup progress and league positioning.
With that context, Elche now faces the strategic challenge of securing a goalkeeper for the winter market, a move Beccacece hinted at last Friday. The coaching staff signaled a clear intent to reinforce the squad, recognizing that a reliable goalkeeper would be essential to competing at a high level in both domestic competitions and cup ties for the remainder of the season.
Beccacece has also expressed interest in strengthening other areas of the squad, with plans to add a striker and a winger, alongside another goalkeeper, to broaden the team’s depth and options. This broader recruiting strategy aims to create more competition for starting roles and elevate collective performance across all competitions.
JA Galvan
From a broader perspective, the evolving situation around Badia’s status and the team’s renewed focus on bolstering the squad reflects the club’s intent to maintain competitive momentum. The discussions around transfers are observed closely by supporters, analysts, and the media, as Elche seeks a balance between maintaining current form and integrating reinforcements that can contribute immediately to results on the field. The narrative around Beccacece’s decisions continues to shape how fans perceive the club’s trajectory for the rest of the season.
Catalan goalkeeper He has a contract until 2025 and in principle his agreement with Zaragoza will be a transfer..
Beccacece wants to strengthen the Elche squad with a striker, a winger and a goalkeeper!
JA Galvan
Editorial notes suggest that a goalkeeper, currently with a contract through 2025, is expected to join Zaragoza on a transfer when the arrangements are finalized. This potential move would align with Beccacece’s broader plan to reinforce the squad’s spine in key positions and to ensure a more robust rotation that can withstand the demands of a dense fixture list. The emphasis on adding a proven goalkeeper sits alongside ambitions to acquire a striker and a winger, creating a balanced attacking and defensive structure for the stretch run of the season.