They are young, full of ambition, and determined to seize the moment when it arrives. The transfer activity at Elche has a bright side: a handful of academy players step into first-team surroundings during early friendlies, using the time to shake off injuries and to free Francisco from an overload of tasks as he shapes the squad for the upcoming season.
Pre-season matters for every footballer, but it carries extra weight for this group. The emphasis is on preparation and confidence-building rather than mere practice weekends. The youngsters operate without the comforts of a full squad’s routine; instead, they live the daily grind under the watchful eye of the first-team staff, knowing that their performances today can influence tomorrow’s decisions. The experience they gain by training alongside top-division professionals is the real reward, and the learning curve is steep but invaluable.
John, who has spent several seasons within the first-team dynamics, joins Salinas, Carles Marco, Alfaro, Rodri, and Knezevic as academy players who are now treated almost like first-team prospects by Francisco. In the first sessions, the reserve roster’s other names resurfaced, especially those who did not see minutes in the initial three friendly matches. The mix of eager newcomers and seasoned youngsters creates a competitive atmosphere that pushes everyone to elevate their level.
Among the group, Knezevic stands out as a beacon of optimism. The Serbian midfielder has become one of the season’s most watched players, with supporters eager to see his development unfold. His first spell at Elche was unconventional: he signed just after the deadline, which delayed his paperwork and kept him from competing with Ilicitano until the window closed. The delay did not dampen the positive impression; Francisco is familiar with him, having long relied on the experienced presence in training groups. Knezevic’s early integration is a reminder that timing and readiness often determine early impressions in a new club.
quality details
So far, Knezevic has demonstrated the quality that sparked so much interest, especially in the friendlies against Newcastle and Leganés substitutes. He even assisted Tete Morente in the 2-1 finish of the closing friendly, a hint of his capability to influence decisive moments. Rodri, who has represented his country at youth levels and featured in all three friendlies, looks fresh and confident with every appearance, whether in full shifts or partial stints against Villarreal B. The sense of ease he radiates on the field signals a player who is ready to take on more responsibility.
Carles Marco and Salinas have also been regulars in the match schedule. The first has recently renewed his contract, reaffirming his value to the squad, while Salinas is poised to continue his growth with another transfer on the horizon. Francisco has kept testing him in different roles, emphasizing versatility as a key asset in this age group. The objective remains clear: maximize development without compromising the chances of a smooth transition to higher levels of competition.
Alfaro appeared a touch more nervous in the opening game and did not play against Leganés when the first-team regulars were in recovery mode. The collective hope is that all these young players will experience a summer that mirrors the promising start of previous seasons, where gradual exposure leads to meaningful breakthroughs. The goal is not simply to fill a squad; it is to cultivate a pipeline of capable, adaptable professionals ready to step up when called upon.
subscription campaign
Elche’s season ticket drive moves into a new phase this Monday, opening the door for anyone to secure their pass for the next campaign. Previously, the opportunity was limited to last season’s season-ticket holders. Now, supporters and curious new fans can join the franciverde family and become part of a club that already counts more than 12,000 believers. The process can be completed online or in person at the Martínez Valero stadium offices and the Franjiverde club shop at L’Aljub Shopping Centre.
With broader access, the club aims to strengthen the connection with the community and create a solid base of fans who can support the team through the ups and downs of a demanding season. The renewal and new subscription process emphasize inclusion and easy access, encouraging people in both Canada and the United States who follow Spanish football to experience Elche’s journey up close through official channels and club activities. The club remains committed to transparency and steady growth as it plans ahead for the challenges and opportunities of the coming year. [Source: Elche CF Communications]