Victory Tenerife sparked renewed enthusiasm, hope, and lasting emotions among the players and the coaching staff. The team’s manager, Beccacece, together with the club and its supporters, created a renewed sense of unity around Elche Football Club.
The proof lay in the warm reception from the Grada de Animación, who greeted the green and white contingent when they arrived in Elche at two in the morning.
A great welcome and two days of rest for the Elche team await signings and departures
Elche, after a rocky first half of the season that raised doubts about the project, faced a turning point in the second half with an away win and a clean sheet—an encouraging start. The team highlighted standout moments from Matías Dituro and the promising performances of Manu Nieto. Next Sunday brings a pivotal match against Valladolid to maintain the upward momentum.
Dituro: “Three points in Tenerife bring us closer to where we want to be”
The roller coaster that has long defined Elche’s history continues, and this week will bring several squad moves. In his post-match remarks against Heliodoro Rodríguez López, Beccacece expressed his hopes for changes, noting the need for multiple departures to reshape the squad.
At least two or three players may leave, with several names already on the table as potential exits. Decisions will be made to balance the squad while maintaining competitive momentum.
THEY WANT TO LEAVE
Raúl Guti and Lautaro Blanco are among those under consideration for changes, with neither called up for the Tenerife match. Beccacece has prioritized players fully focused on the upcoming challenges, and both Zaragoza and the Argentine midfielder are aware of potential departures.
Raúl Guti has drawn interest from Leganés and Zaragoza. He has a contract through this season and another year, with Elche seeking financial responsibility in any potential transfer. A structured deal with a buy option could be a prudent solution, allowing for token value while addressing club needs.
On the left side, the situation mirrors the midfield: limited playing time and a desire for fresh opportunities. With a contract through 2027, the player may explore a move that allows more minutes, potentially via a loan that benefits both clubs. Rosario Central is among the most actively discussed destinations.
Elche go to Tenerife with nine losses: “I need committed people”
Álex Martín and Diego González are pursuing opportunities elsewhere as Elche assesses their future. Illness prevented them from travelling to Tenerife, and they remain on the exit list as the club looks to rebuild the defense and strengthen the squad.
Álex Martín arrived in the summer with high hopes, but the club has received multiple offers from teams in lower divisions. Huesca and Cartagena are among the interested parties, with potential loans or contract terminations on the table.
Diego González’s contract ends on June 30, making a termination a plausible path. However, finding a club willing to meet his salary remains a challenge for Elche, which must assume some responsibility in the process.
CENTRAL
Gattoni, Russo, and Curbelo are viewed as targets to reinforce central defense
Following Pedro Bigas’s withdrawal at halftime against Tenerife, Elche searched for defensive solidity. Frederick Gattoni from Sevilla and Éric Curbelo from Las Palmas have emerged as favored options, though negotiating to stay in the top flight remains a hurdle. The club hopes to seal at least one central defender soon.
Franco Russo is another possibility under consideration. The board continues to weigh defensive reinforcements, with talks planned about contract structures and loan opportunities. If Álex Martín or Diego González depart this week, negotiations with one of the central defenders may accelerate.
Franco Russo is the alternative in Elche’s defense
IMPROVE THE EXISTING
A winger and a midfielder are also sought
The right wing remains the priority. If Raúl Guti leaves, a new midfielder would also be desirable. The club has shown interest in Miguel Rodríguez from Celta, who has played a pivotal role for the Galician side in recent matches, though letting him go will be difficult.
The coaching staff also considers Hugo González from Valencia’s reserves, though questions remain about whether he is ready for Liga Two. A move could be allowed to foster his development.
The rise of Rodrigo Mendoza, who can play on the right wing, reduces the urgency for a winger. Still, the club intends to pursue options. If two central defenders are added, Mario Gaspar might return to his familiar position, with Josan likely to adapt to a broader role.
Elche shopping cart
AIM
A striker who can make a difference
Even with Manu Nieto on board, Elche continues to seek a top-class striker who can alter the balance of matches. The target is a proven scorer who can change games, otherwise the team will rely on existing options.
Weissman from Granada has been discussed previously, but questions remain about his fit under Beccacece and his ability to withstand the physical demands. Randy Nteka was considered as a more combative option, but reports indicate a return to Elche is unlikely. The winter window remains a possibility for one last strategic move to strengthen the squad, with other options still in the mix.