Eldense announced on Sunday its plan to add Manu Nieto, a mobile and forward-thinking attacker on loan from Andorra, where he helped secure promotion to the Second Division last season.
Nieto, 24, developed in the Betis and Cádiz youth systems. He featured in 26 official matches for Andorra, starting 12 times, logging 1,145 minutes and scoring four goals, including a brace. Earlier in 2020/21, Cádiz appeared in two top-flight matches against Sevilla and Atlético de Madrid, gaining 13 minutes of elite‑level experience.
During two seasons with Betis’ reserve side, he played 16 games in Segunda B and 46 matches with Cádiz, also contributing nine goals in the Spanish football’s bronze tier. His arrival is expected to inject pace and versatility into Barça’s attacking line in the First RFEF, adding dynamism to the frontline.
Defeat against UCAM
The new season edges closer, and Eldense took the field for their fifth pre-season match at Nuevo Pepico Amat, where they suffered their first defeat of the summer by a 0-1 result against UCAM Murcia. The team’s coach, Fernando Estévez, expressed satisfaction with the performance despite the setback.
He highlighted the positive aspects, noting the strong attitude of the young players and the effort shown. He also credited the fans for giving the squad an extra push when it was needed. As he explained, a few financial issues and injuries meant the squad was still finding its rhythm. Three players who joined recently required time to integrate, and the coaching staff emphasized continuity for the players who had just arrived. There is no doubt that the team’s current mood and work ethic are steering them in the right direction, with confidence growing around their collective progress.
Estévez added that ongoing adjustments would continue as they seek better on-field cohesion, while recognizing the challenges of balancing new arrivals with existing squad dynamics. The overall impression was one of cautious optimism, with the belief that the squad is on the road to building a cohesive unit that can compete effectively once the season proper begins. The sense among insiders is that the team’s current trajectory aligns with their broader goals for the campaign, and the early results are viewed as an expected part of that process.