Market time often pairs with a calm that belies the daily churn. Christian Bragnik’s influence at Elche continues to ripple as the club waits for concrete signals from its leadership, even as social media buzzes with every new post. The team’s owner has not shied away from the bigger moves, but the market rhythm remains measured and deliberate.
This week marks nearly a month since Elche ended the league with a celebratory win at Martínez Valero against Getafe on May 22, a finale that felt like a fitting curtain call for the season. Since then, activity at Martínez Valero has been subdued. The summer tour in 2022 had the club’s name in the press again, with Bragnik hinting at a slower, more cautious market for the near future.
The club’s initial roadmap focused on continuity, beginning with extending Francisco’s contract as head coach. Once that decision was in place, attention shifted to reinforcing the squad. The club exercised the option to buy striker Ezequiel Ponce, a player acquired from Spartak Moscow, while defender Diego González was secured for the next two seasons, a move that reinforced trust in a player who delivered steady performances rather than a standout league finale. The season’s overall arc aligned with the team’s progress.
Diego González’s two-season deal stands alongside the return of left-back Salinas after a commendable spell at Salamanca. Questions remain about whether the academy product will realize the dream of wearing the club’s tasseled green jacket in 2022/23, or if a loan to a second-division club is the prudent path. Mirandés has emerged as a notable suitor, while Werner, Josema, Jony Álamo, Manu Justo, and Mourad also returned from loan spells.
On the departure side, Elche completed transfers that reshaped the squad. Ivan Marcone’s exit marked a shift after a two-year spell that yielded mixed results. The incoming fee approaching nearly 2 million euros from Independiente de Avellaneda is presented as a positive outcome for the club’s strategic planning, recognizing the midfielder’s contribution during his tenure.
Piatti, who linked up with Estudiantes, and Barragán along with Carrillo will see their contracts expire on June 30. The winger publicly bid farewell to the club via social media, while the Argentine striker’s departure remains to be formalized. Loans involving Kiko Casilla, Olaza, and Kike Pérez will not be extended in the near term, as Valladolid’s two option-to-buy clauses have yet to be exercised. Preparations for pre-season are expected to begin on July 4.
17 Players Under Contract for 2022/23
If the head coach needed to start preparations tomorrow, the club would field 17 players with first-team status: Badia and Werner in goal; a defensive line of Roco, Verdu, Bigas, Josema, Palacios, and Mojica; midfielders Guti, Gumbau, Fidel, Josan, and Morente; and forwards Boyé, Milla, Ponce, and Justo.
Adding to this core are Salinas, John, Jony, and Mourad, academy talents on the cusp of breaking into the first team. The latter two, along with Manu Justo, are not counted among the fixed first-team squad. Bragarnik has approximately two weeks to determine the preseason starting XI.
Two Hotspots: Omar Mascarell and Pere Milla
Summer stories are part of football culture, and Elche is watching two familiar names closely. Omar Mascarell, the Canary Islands-born midfielder, has seen a renewal process move slower than many expected. The club recognizes his desire to stay in the city, but competing offers complicate the decision, making upbeat negotiations essential.
An uptick in performance and a smoother integration into the squad after a challenging spell in Germany keep optimism alive about Mascarell remaining with Elche. On Pere Milla, the club remains firm on renewal, viewing his continued presence as central to the project. Management believes the issues sparked by a public statement last year did not unfold as hoped, and they are awaiting his return on July 4 to reassess. News around Milla is likely to surface after that date.
Finally, the club continues to consider a renewal with Pastore, provided both parties remain committed to the relationship. The next steps involve aligning financial expectations with the roles envisioned in the squad’s future.