Gonzalo Verdú and Josan Ferrández are the only two survivors from the stage. They formed part of the current Elche CF squad in Segunda División B and grew professionally alongside the club, spending three seasons in the top tier wearing the franciverde jersey after many years in the lower divisions.
They are former anchors of the squad. Two veterans who are deeply connected with the club and highly cherished by the fans after six successful campaigns.
Verdú first signed with the club through the sports director at the time, Jorge Cordero, in 2017. He became a key piece in breaking away from Segunda B for good. Verdú has accumulated 172 league appearances across three competitions with Elche, consistently serving as a top player and captain from the outset. In the most recent seasons, his role remained central as he contributed heavily, with 32, 38, 36 and 33 appearances respectively. His on and off-field leadership has always been commendable and essential to the team.
Gonzalo Verdú, iron captain
The winger joined Elche in January 2018 during the winter market from Albacete. Verdú celebrated his fourth promotion to the Segunda División at the Valero stadium. After only two seasons, he helped the club advance to the long-awaited first division—the highest stage of Spanish football for a club founded in the city.
Josan has also been a central figure in recent years, featuring in 167 league matches (with seasons tallying 13, 31, 38, 33, 31 and 21).
Having been a principal character for several campaigns, Verdú and Josan, two pieces of Elche’s old guard, face a challenging future if they wish to continue wearing the green and white stripe.
Verdú, who will turn 35 in October, has repeatedly stated that his dream is to retire at Elche. With his contract expiring on June 30 and hints that Sebastián Beccacece may take over as head coach next season, it seems keeping Verdú could be difficult. The Argentinian coach has had limited opportunities since arriving and has often favored different profiles for central roles, such as Mascarell or Carlos Clerc, who are a midfielder and a left-back respectively.
Verdú may not resign and could push Beccacece to rethink plans to keep him for the next campaign, though the path remains unclear.
Josan is also in a similar situation. The Crevillente-born player will turn 34 in December and, in his first interactions with Beccacece, had limited minutes. The coach sees him as a player with a more offensive profile who could operate as a winger or on the right side, even as a defender on the right, depending on the tactical arrangement.
In recent matches, Josan has shifted to a winger role, and in some games he even played as a right-sided defender, featuring five defensive appearances—an unusual move in his career.
Elche’s Crevillente-born player is also likely to depart when the contract ends on June 30.
Beccacece seeks new profiles, and owner Christian Bragarnik will have the final say. If Verdú and Josan’s careers are rewarded with opportunities to continue at a high level, both could contend for another season in Segunda. If not, they may have to explore offers elsewhere while carrying the club in their hearts.
Elche faces substantial planning for the next season in Segunda División.
Edgar Badía, Fidel Chaves and Pere Milla are other veterans who survived the ascent from Girona, alongside Verdú and Josan. The Elche squad includes three more players who were part of the club’s old guard, though not all of them were in Segunda División B during the 2017-2018 season.
Badía, Fidel Chaves and Pere Milla joined the club during its climb to the top flight and were central figures in memorable moments, including the promotion to the First Division on 23 August 2020 at the Montilivi stadium in Girona.
Badía (31), Fidel (33) and Pere Milla (30) approach the future with different outlooks. All three hold valid contracts and are expected to contribute to the team as it attempts to return to the top flight next season, while also remaining attractive to Primera offers should they arise.
The goalkeeper, a midfielder and a forward represent the established core with Beccacece and remain integral to the Argentinian coach’s plans.
All three are seen as key figures who have expressed their desire to stay with the club despite the relegation.
If Verdú and Josan do not continue, they will become the players with the most years at Elche. The future awaits them next season.
Elche has a lot of work to plan for next season in the Second Division
Edgar Badía, Fidel Chaves and Pere Milla are among the veterans who helped Elche climb, alongside Verdú and Josan. The squad also features other survivors who played crucial roles in the club’s ascent and its year-to-year evolution.
Elche’s roster includes players who were with the club as it reached the top division and others who have remained to help the team challenge for promotion again. The 2020 promotion to the First Division at Girona’s Montilivi remains a milestone, celebrated by those who stood with the club through thick and thin.
All three veterans—Badía, Fidel and Pere Milla—enter the upcoming season with contracts that could see them help Elche regain their place in the top tier. Their continued presence signals a broader strategy that values experience, leadership and a deep understanding of the club’s culture.
Beccacece’s agenda and Bragarnik’s decisions will shape the future makeup of the squad. The goal remains clear: return to the top flight and sustain momentum for Elche in the Spanish football landscape.