Signings are viewed as moves that should lift a squad to a higher level, and Elche CF brought in seven new players this season. At first glance, it appeared some would contribute more than others, and a few seemed capable of raising the team from the previous campaign. Yet, the on-pitch reality has not matched that early impression.
So far, Elche’s seven new arrivals have logged only 32% of the minutes during the opening six matchdays. With rare exceptions, none has established the hoped-for standard yet, and questions about impact linger among supporters and analysts alike.
Francisco had repeatedly spoken about delays in securing reinforcements. Only two players — Roger Martí and Carlos Clerc — joined at the start of the pre-season. The left-back, however, arrived late due to a lengthy injury layoff, delaying his full integration with the group.
The other three — Pol Lirola, Alex Collado, and Domingos Quina — linked with the club after the season began and joined the squad from the second day of La Liga action.
The final pair, Nico Fernández Mercau and Fede Fernández, were acquired on the last day of the transfer window, September 1, after four competitive matches had already taken place.
Alex Collado, the midfielder on loan from Barcelona, generated considerable excitement among the fan base. The young Catalan quickly demonstrated quality in a standout display, making his debut in the second round against Almería, starting the game, and even scoring one of Elche’s two equalizers. Across four appearances he accumulated 293 minutes (about 54.5%), delivering noticeable impact whenever he took the field. In the trip to Barcelona at the Camp Nou, that was his only appearance as a substitute. Although the club did not impose clauses to block a potential future move, he did not persist as a first-choice option. In a squad that naturally leans to the right, his enterprising, forward-facing style stood out, but over time his influence waned, and his contributions became less frequent.
Roger Martí, the Valencia striker, was another signing expected to raise the roster’s quality. His experience with Levante and his scoring touch with Granota suggested he could be a difference-maker. Francisco placed his trust in Roger from the outset, and the forward logged 237 minutes (roughly 43.88%). He started in the first three fixtures against Almería and Real Sociedad but was substituted in each case and hardly featured thereafter. Against Villarreal, he entered in the 57th minute, replacing Lucas Boyé, yet his presence did not alter the result.
At present he has no minutes in the last two games against Athletic Club de Bilbao and Barcelona. He sits as the third striker behind Boyé and Eze Ponce, and his role remains under review as the team searches for a sharper attacking balance.
Pol Lirola, the right-back, has been one of the early disappointments of the season. He arrived with a strong résumé from Italy and France, including international experience with Olympique de Marseille, fueling high expectations for his first La Liga stint on Spanish soil. Yet his output has been modest so far.
Lirola started immediately, playing the full 90 minutes on the second day against Almería and then earning another starting berth in the following Real Sociedad match. A hamstring issue forced him off at halftime, and he also missed a subsequent clash with Villarreal. He returned for the match against Athletic Club on matchday five and again began, but his level did not meet expectations. Substitutions were common, and his performance left room for improvement. In total, three games and 202 minutes (about 37.5%) in his initial spell reflect the challenge he faces. The coaching staff continues to place faith in Lirola, and a steady recovery is seen as essential to stabilizing the team’s trajectory.
Carlos Clerc arrived to replace Mojica, with the aim of regaining full match fitness after a prolonged injury layoff. Pre-season training had started late, and he did not feature in the opening four games. The coach, Francisco, kept Mojica in consideration for a potential Villarreal move, and Clerc’s involvement was limited early on. He played the full 90 minutes in the next game against Villarreal but looked subdued. In the following match against Athletic Club, Clerc started again and showed a modest improvement. Across two appearances, Clerc has logged 180 minutes (33.3%).
Quina has stood out as one of the livelier surprises. The Guinea-Portuguese midfielder has not always been a constant presence, but when he has featured, he has brought energy and quality. He appeared in five matches, starting in only one against Athletic Club. His influence in the midfield has been notable, providing 171 minutes (31.6%), and he has earned a place in the squad’s favored lineup on several occasions.
Nico Fernández Mercau’s arrival served as emergency cover for Mojica on the final day. He debuted against Athletic Club after a week of limited training and some early struggles on the left flank. He started as a substitute in Barcelona, coming on for Raúl Guti in the 53rd minute. He has accrued 143 minutes (23.5%) and still needs time to adapt to the rhythm and style of the Spanish league.
Faith Fernández, like his teammate Nico, joined after moving from Newcastle United in September. He is one of seven signings who have yet to feature in competitive minutes. With Gonzalo Verdú unavailable and Pedro Bigas in doubt, he might have a chance in the upcoming Vallecas match against Rayo Vallecano if selected. The team continues to monitor how these late arrivals integrate into the tactical setup, hoping for a sharper collective performance as the season unfolds.