HE Elche CF faces a rebuild of its engine room for the upcoming season in the Second Division. A large portion of the midfielders who formed the core of the recently finished Primera campaign will not return next season. Consequently, the sports commission must identify a midfielder capable of shouldering the team’s rhythm and intensity throughout the campaign.
Alex Collado franciverde will not continue with the club. The young loanee from Barcelona failed to meet expectations. He arrived as a key signing that could have made a difference, and his early performances sparkled in his first match against Almeria, but his form declined thereafter. He also suffered a January injury that sidelined him for three months. Now he returns to the Catalan club with plans to seek another destination.
Pape Sheikh is another player who did not contribute during his time at Elche. He joined in the winter market after the window closed and hardly featured. He had some involvement under Pablo Machin, though his chances were limited. After Beccacece’s arrival, his role did not grow. The Argentine coach praised his professionalism in training and allowed him to play the final five minutes against Cádiz on the last match day, but his tenure did not become productive.
Gerard Gumbau will also depart. His contract is expiring, and the Catalan midfielder would like to continue at the highest level after a season of notable performances, attracting interest from multiple clubs. Teams including Rayo Vallecano, Granada, Girona, and Celta have shown openness to acquiring his services in recent days.
Along with these three departures, Jose Angel Carmona is almost certainly set to leave. The loan spell from Sevilla, brought in January to bolster the right-back position, briefly moved to a defensive midfield role under Beccacece. An injury in the opening game kept him out for the next three months, and Beccacece’s plans did not include a continued role for him. The midfielder is expected to return to Sevilla and pursue a move to a top-tier team.
Two other midfielders currently under contract, Mascarell and Raul Guti, may also leave Elche. The Canary, who has attracted interest from the Premier League, holds a release clause that could allow a loan exit if a club pays 500,000 euros and assumes his contract. Mallorca and Granada have shown strong interest and have already engaged with his representatives to discuss a potential move.
Granada has been linked with Elche in the pursuit of midfield reinforcements, while the club’s outlook remains focused on building a more competitive unit for the next campaign.
While Raul Guti’s season did not unfold smoothly, plans exist for him to play a reduced role under Beccacece and to earn more minutes in upcoming fixtures. Returning to Zaragoza is a possibility his representatives are weighing, though Elche paid five million for his transfer in the past and his contract runs until 2025. If the move does not materialize, he may stay and adjust his role under the Argentinian coach.
Out of eight midfielders expected to finish La Liga with Elche, only Fidel Chaves and John Chetauya are presently confirmed to be part of the squad for the next term.
In the ongoing shake-up, the club’s training sessions show Fidel and Raul Guti in the mix. Mascarell and Guti are not ruled out due to contract validity, but Guti’s role favors defense over midfield, which Beccacece does not prefer. The coaching staff faces the task of signing at least three midfielders for the new season, with potential moves dependent on Mascarell and Guti’s futures.
Camarasa and Áleix Febas have left the front line of Elche’s plans. Several players who were evaluated as potential reinforcements have moved on. Víctor Camarasa has accepted Oviedo’s renewal and will continue with the Asturias club.
Another player of interest to Elche, Alex FebruaryNor, appears unlikely to join. He previously featured for Real Madrid’s youth and had stints with Zaragoza, Mallorca, and Malagà. He remains tied to other clubs, making a move unlikely for Elche at present.
Elche also showed interest in Oriana Rey, a defensive midfielder who ended the season with 41 appearances for Mirandes and was released when his contract expired. Contacts with his agents have continued, and he was previously in Elche’s orbit in January. He is a player who could adapt well to Beccacece’s system and compete for central midfield duties, though his signature is no certainty due to competing offers.
For the midfield, the coach will evaluate Rodrigo Mendoza, a youth player who trained with the senior squad in preseason. While the club aims to recruit more experienced Second Division players, Mendoza has already featured against Cádiz, offering a glimpse of his potential.
Granada Eyes Elche’s Midfield Pool
Elche’s ongoing midfield overhaul is driven by the need to strengthen ball control, transition speed, and defensive cover. The club seeks dynamic operators who can sustain pressing intensity and contribute to both phases of play. The target list includes versatile midfielders capable of adapting to Beccacece’s tactical approach and providing competition for minutes across the season.
As the summer market unfolds, Elche will continue to assess loan options and permanent deals, aiming to assemble a balanced midfield quartet or quintet that can reliably contribute across all competitions. The emphasis remains on acquiring players with proven league experience who can quickly integrate into the squad and expand tactical flexibility.
The club’s scouts and management are attentive to opportunities that may arise from the European market, prioritizing players who can fit the club’s budget and style. The aim is clear: rebuild the engine room to drive a competitive campaign in the Second Division and restore Elche’s stability and ambition.