Bragarnik’s turn at Elche
VLDELTEL/JAGALVAÑ
Elche’s largest shareholder has signaled intent to act in the January window, aiming to sharpen the squad for the second half of the season and push for promotion. With 3 to 4 signatures anticipated, the plan centers on reinforcing the roster as soon as the winter market opens on January 2.
Bragarnik: “Elche will make 3 to 4 transfers in the winter market”
VL Deltell
Elche’s leadership is preparing to add several players while keeping an eye on balance and budget. The aim remains clear: strengthen key positions and increase competition within the squad as the team approaches the crucial phase of the campaign.
Most urgent needs
The priorities are: a versatile winger who can operate on either flank, with a preference for the right side; and a new striker. Additional focus will be placed on reinforcing the defense and midfield. An injury to Óscar Plano could open space for another forward or midfielder to step in, expanding the options for the attack.
Elche currently has two free roster spots, with 23 first-team players engaged. If necessary, Óscar Plano’s long-term injury absence could create further room for a replacement in the attacking line.
Doctors Ripoll and De Prado successfully operated on Óscar Plano, who would be away from the field for six months.
JA Galvan
there is money
The Franjiverde club has available salary room. After the summer, LaLiga’s spending cap allowed about 24 million, and the team utilized just over 15 million of that. Additionally, players seeking more minutes and not fully aligned with the coach’s plans may seek a move, particularly those who have seen limited playing time like Lautaro Blanco and Raúl Guti.
The sports commission has remained active in recent months, evaluating players for the winter market. Bragarnik will have the final say, though the club favors young, hungry players with long-term potential and modest wage demands.
first reinforcement
One widely discussed option for the wing position, confirmed by Beccacece, involves Miguel Gutiérrez from Celta. The 20-year-old has progressed from the reserve team to the first squad this season and, despite limited opportunities under Rafa Benítez, remains a candidate for a move that could boost Elche’s pace on the flanks.
He is a right winger who can also slot in on the left; in this season’s league he accumulated limited minutes but has shown potential when called upon in cups and league matches.
Capable of representing Spain at youth levels, he has drawn interest from multiple clubs in both the domestic league and abroad. Elche can offer minutes to prevent stagnation and support his ongoing development.
Other names for extremism
Additional wingers under consideration include José Arnáiz from Osasuna, though this path is deemed complex. Arnáiz typically plays on the left but can adapt to the right when needed. His departure from Osasuna would be unusual given his recent signing on a free transfer from Leganés, and the move would depend on negotiations.
At 28, he has not been a regular starter, featuring limited minutes across the season. Entering January, Elche would need to weigh his fit and playing time against the club’s broader strategic plans.
Another winger linked to Elche is Juan Cruz, a 23-year-old Argentinian from Betis, who surfaced in discussion last summer. Betis sources indicated there were no formal talks, with interest leaning toward Tenerife as a potential destination for the player.
There is also chatter about Alberto Perea from Granada. At 33, his playing time has been scarce, making the move less likely unless there is a broader shift in priorities for the squad.
attackers
On the striker front, Jon Karrikaburu remains a name on the radar. He had shown intent to test himself in Primera with Alavés in the past, and last season he left a strong impression with goals in limited minutes. Real Sociedad, holding a contract through 2026, remains cautious about how a January move might unfold, balancing ambition with the club’s broader plans.
At 21, he fits the profile Elche seeks: young, dynamic, and capable of growing with the team. Real Sociedad does not want the situation to stall, aiming for a prompt resolution that could alter the January window dynamics.
He is a right-sided forward who can also operate from the left, having shown glimpses of goal threat in limited minutes this season. His progress at the international youth level has attracted interest from multiple clubs, and Elche can offer him meaningful minutes to accelerate development.
Options
Other attackers discussed include Manu Nieto from Andorra. The 25-year-old is under contract with his current club, which would demand a transfer fee. He has been a regular presence, contributing goals but not necessarily a top-tier scoring profile that Elche is chasing in January.
Randy Nteka is another name considered. Elche had shown interest in extending his loan, though the forward preferred to continue in the First Division with his current club, limiting the likelihood of a January move.
Defense
Bragarnik is keen to re-sign Federico Gattoni to bolster the center-back line, a role that mirrors the responsibilities of Mario Gaspar. There have also been links to Lautaro Gianetti of Vélez, a 30-year-old defender who could fit Elche’s balance sheet and style.
In midfield and beyond, Federico Redondo, son of former Real Madrid great Fernando Redondo, is on the radar as a young option represented by the club’s main shareholder’s agents.
Another player linked to Elche is Arnau Puigmal from Almería. The 22-year-old has featured sparingly this season, and speculation suggests a move could depend on broader transfer dynamics within the squad.
Additional reports name Arnau Puigmal as a potential addition, aligning with the club’s focus on young, eager players who can develop within the Elche system.