Emotional stability remains a pivotal factor in decision making. Carlos Abad has chosen to extend his stay with the team, guided by this consistency even though his contract did not show a clear upturn. Roger Riera has likewise expressed a strong desire to remain with Hercules, and discussions with his management have moved forward on solid footing. Despite a standout season, the center back is awaiting the precise structure and amount of bonuses he will receive at season’s end. The focus remains on personal targets, collective achievements, and earned praise.
The two sides hold an upbeat outlook for the renewal, planning to finalize the agreement once Hercules completes its overseas commitments. Riera enjoyed a brief, relaxing family trip during a club break, and upon return, the renewal announcement is anticipated to unfold over a few hours as both parties feel satisfied with the core terms of the operation.
5 GOALS
He found the back of the net this season while wearing the blue and white kit. For the first time in his career, he celebrated a goal. Celta and Barça’s affiliates were unable to score against Villarreal, and Andorra also failed to find the net in their fixtures.
Roger Riera, 28, did not feature in an official match during his period in Alicante with the academy teams of Celta, Villarreal, Barcelona, and during a campaign that contributed to Andorra’s rise to second place. In a recent chapter, he was briefly rescued by Hercules following the departure of a veteran, with the Catalan defender leading the statistics after tallying five goals for the blue and white squad.
At the club, the renewal is expected to close once the defender returns from international or holiday leave.
The calm atmosphere around the negotiations, combined with the trust shown by manager Lolo Escobar who will guide the team into the new season, has encouraged the defender to prioritize the modest offer from Hercules. His representative has indicated that no new avenues will be explored until the current arrangement is clarified.
Bonuses for individual targets remain a key piece of the deal
With the pre-season window opening in early July, the squad is counting down to the start of training. No other member of the squad, which finished the league in seventh place, has committed to staying with the Alicante club. Iván Martínez was another name considered for renewal, but the young keeper from Soria paused his discussions as soon as the Carlos Abad agreement was announced.
The Osasuna youth product does not want to begin a third season without meaningful minutes, so he previously reserved the option to unilaterally end his relationship with Hercules on terms that would avoid personal costs. He accepted Peña’s invitation in 2022 under this condition, hoping the pattern seen in Castellón could be repeated elsewhere.
Files of Salah and César
Hercules’ under-23 record features Salaheddine Bendrao, known as Salah, and César Moreno, both born in 2001, as the only players with first-team exposure. Josip Visnjic will retain his contract, ensuring he does not count against the 22-player limit in Block A. The squad also includes a Murcia-born center back, with both Salah and César Moreno approaching their final academy seasons. Nico Espinosa and Jean Paul are set to be recorded in the first-team file, ensuring their inclusion in the squad. The core group comprises 16 players, forming the tenth consecutive cycle outside of top-tier professional football. The remaining six members, along with 22 contracts approved by the Federation, will determine registration for RFEF Division Two, including players born after 2001.
THE STATUS OF THE HERCULES CF TEAM
► WITH CURRENT AGREEMENT
- Michel Herrero
- alvarito
- Jose Articles
- Carlos Abad
- Nico Espinosa
- John Paul
- Cesar Moreno (alt-23 tab)
- salah (alt-23 tab)
► CANCELED AGREEMENTS
- ander victoria
- Sergio Marcos
- felipe chacartegui
- Mario Gomez
► PLAYERS WITHOUT CONTRACT
- Iván Martínez (refuses to renew)
- Roger Riera (offer from HCF)
- Sergi Molina (without HCF offer)
- Maxi Ribero (without HCF offer)
- Raúl Ruiz (without HCF offer)
- Toscano (without HCF offer)
- Diego Jiménez (without an offer from HCF)
- Víctor Eimil (without HCF offer)
- Cristian Cedrés (without an offer from HCF)
- Manu Navarro (without HCF offer)
- Dani Marín (without an offer from HCF)
- Jack Harper (returns to Getafe)
- Alberto Retuerta (returns to Dépor)
- Luque Júnior (returns to Eldense)
Presumably one of the unsigned players will replace Iván Martínez in the rotation. Hercules can grant the goalkeeper a chance to complete the pre-season with the reserve side, given the second-team status does not count toward the 22-player limit that the coach oversees. When the squad settles, Riera’s continued presence will free up 15 federation slots to empower the roster.