The winter transfer window runs from January 2 to January 31. Eldense Sports Club strengthened well last summer, with seven of the sixteen signings totaling more than 1,000 minutes on the pitch. Some of those players, including Sergio Ortuño, Timor, Marc Mateu, and Andone, have become staples of the starting XI chosen by coach Fernando Estévez.
On the other side, attention also turns to players who have not seen as many minutes as they hoped. Managing such a large squad is not easy for Estévez. Of the 27 players in the squad, Joel Jorquera, Miguel Marí, and Marco Doué did not start a league match in the first half of the season. Every player saw some playing time, but a few contributed less than others.
Eldense closed the half of the league in the third best position in the Second League
Earrings…
Names like Miguelón, Eddie Salcedo, Guille Vallejo, and Arnau Ortiz may remain on pause during the transfer window, potentially heading to destinations far from the shoe city. Arnau has openly said in a recent press conference that he wants more minutes, yet he must prove himself to turn the situation around.
Meanwhile, Miguel Llambrich will end his contract with the Barça club next June. A former Espanyol recruit, he appeared in only one league game in the Copa del Rey against Levante and two others. Estévez has favored Toni Abad from the start and, except for a difficult change on the right side and related dynamics, will keep him in the starting XI through the season’s end.
Eldense made only two starting 11 appearances in 21 matches
Italian striker
In Eddie Salcedo’s case, everything points to the loan agreement between the club and the Italian striker ending before it can be finalized. He started only two league games, accumulated eleven appearances in total, and scored two goals. This forward profile is one Estévez tended to use as a catalyst in the second half of matches. Inter Milan loaned him last summer to gain minutes and development, but he has yet to demonstrate his potential.
Regarding Guille Vallejo, it was explained that Burgos did not present offers after promotion. He started the first eight matches but was replaced by Andoni Zubiaurre. He did not stand out in the Copa del Rey either, where Álvaro Aceves claimed the starting role and remained a starter in the league for the last three rounds.
High bid
In addition, several players are generating strong interest from multiple clubs due to their high market value and solid performances this season. Sergio Ortuño stands out as a breakthrough talent in the Second League, and at 24 he is seen as having a bright professional future with ambitions to reach the First Division someday.
As a result, a busy month is anticipated. This period could see more players from Barça’s current squad explore opportunities elsewhere to advance their careers. It’s the nature of football life—players and clubs pursue their own goals, and if needs aren’t met, changes follow.