The club’s sports management is turning up the tempo this winter market with early confirmations in hand. The squad has been boosted by a reinforcement at center back, Nacho Monsalve, arriving from LKS Lodz in Poland. The Madrid native has signed a contract for the remainder of the season with another option.
“Nacho is an elegant, measured, high‑quality defender who can operate on both sides of the back line. He has spent most of his career on the left side and brings a strong ability to receive the ball from the back, along with solid aerial presence,” Barça management stated in a press release.
The 29-year-old defender has a rich career history at both national and international levels. He began his development with Atletico de Madrid’s system. He featured in La Liga with Real Betis during the 15-16 season. A year later he joined Deportivo de la Coruña’s reserve team and later moved to Rayo Vallecano. He did not play for Real Madrid in his first stint with the capital club, as he spent time on loan at Recreativo de Huelva in the lower divisions.
The first move to Europe came in 2018 with Twente in the Netherlands, where he faced Eldense in a prelude to next Sunday’s friendly match. He then moved to NAC Breda in the second tier of Dutch football. From there his career carried him to Bulgaria, spending a season there, before signing for Levski Sofia and then LKS Lodz in the 21/22 season.
He helped his Polish team secure promotion to the top flight by playing 30 matches last season. This campaign, the club sits near the bottom of the table, and Monsalve has accumulated more than 1,100 minutes in 14 appearances to date.
Now he joins the Medio Vinalopó region club to bolster a position that requires reinforcement. His versatility on both sides strengthens the squad as competition heats up with Piña, Carlos Hernández, and Dumic. Monsalve has lined up at both full-back positions multiple times, enriching the team with his ability to use both feet.
Work at an advanced level in the back office
Following the acquisition of a central defender, the organization has shifted its attention to securing a goalscorer. The path remains uncertain unless further movements are confirmed from Eldense and Inter. The remaining option at the moment is Eddie Salcedo, who has ended his loan spell tied to the club.
Eldense and Inter agree to terminate Salcedo
The most complicated issue appears to be Cris Montes. He received a more lucrative offer from Deportivo de la Coruña, a deal that promises more financial security over the next two and a half seasons. In response, Montes informed Eldense of his intention to leave. The club has made clear that transfers will only proceed through the formal channels, even if his contract runs through next summer.
Morale within the squad has shifted as Montes has not trained with teammates in recent days. The club has appeared resigned to the player’s decision. For Montes, family ties to Gijón offer a personal convenience that matters beyond the pitch.
Montes has been a key contributor for his manager in the first round, featuring in 14 games with eight starts and scoring one goal, which came in the last home match against Racing de Santander. His potential departure would leave Eldense needing to source a player with similar qualities in a market that is often challenging to navigate.
Cris Montes during the match with Eldense
In the current campaign, the team is evaluating options to maintain balance and impact on the flank. The club continues to balance strategic decisions with on-field realities, aiming to preserve competitiveness while exploring sensible moves during this winter window.