In late May, Elche CF faced decisions surrounding Ezequiel Ponce, the Argentine forward who joined on loan from Spartak Moscow at the close of the winter window. During the stint with Elche, he appeared in thirteen matches and found the net several times, delivering solid performances in some games while hitting rough patches in others. Despite the ups and downs, Ponce attracted attention at the Martínez Valero stadium, where his potential value as a 25-year-old striker returning from a serious knee injury is a topic of ongoing discussion about his trajectory in the coming seasons.
The Franchiverde owners, led by Christian Bragnik and backed by manager Francis Rodriguez, have publicly signaled that Ponce should be part of next season’s project. Nevertheless, Elche is reluctant to meet the five-million-euro option to buy that was set with Spartak Moscow, leaving the door open for negotiation and strategic decision-making on both sides.
The club will not automatically honor the clause on the mandated date. Instead, it plans to evaluate the situation carefully, exploring whether a free departure for the attacker could be viable. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, FIFA allowed players from the two clubs involved to move freely to other teams, a rule that applied to Ponce during his Elche spell and to several signings made under those terms. The conflict persists, and if the policy remains in place, Ponce could remain with Elche without triggering a transfer payment.
On the other hand, if a free release isn’t granted, Elche’s decision-makers aim to negotiate a substantial reduction in the buyout amount. They will look to replicate a model similar to previous summers when transfer terms were adjusted downward, much as happened with Mojica when Girona needed liquidity in a prior season. In that Colombian case, Elche accepted two million for the preferred option, and although Girona did not ascend to the First Division that year, the deal helped balance Girona’s accounts. Mojica later became a player with a valuation around 5.5 million, reflecting a strategy of controlled cost and asset preservation.
Elche’s strategy with Ezequiel Ponce is to keep him under contract if a modest sum can be arranged, securing his services for multiple seasons and solidifying his role within the squad’s plans. If the monetary terms become unfavorable, the club will pursue an arrangement that protects its interests while offering Ponce or his representatives a favorable route for his future with the club, should a free transfer be possible under evolving regulations.
In the broader context, discussions around Ponce’s future center on balancing on-field contributions with financial prudence. The club is evaluating whether the Argentine forward can maintain his form and health, translating that into a secure, long-term role with Elche. The goal is to reach a consensus that allows both parties to move forward confidently, while staying aligned with the club’s broader objectives for the upcoming seasons.
As negotiations evolve, Elche remains focused on creating a sustainable path for Ponce’s services. The decision will hinge on whether a low-cost or free arrangement can be secured, ensuring the Argentine forward remains part of Elche’s plans for several campaigns ahead. The club’s patience, coupled with a pragmatic approach to transfers, signals a preference for maintaining stability and continuity in the squad as the football calendar unfolds across Europe.
Ultimately, the question remains how Elche will proceed with Ezequiel Ponce. If the club can avoid a hefty transfer fee, the Argentine might extend his stay and contribute to the squad’s ambitions, signing a multi-year contract that reflects his potential and recovery trajectory. The coming weeks will reveal how Elche balances its financial priorities with the sporting need to keep a proven forward who has already demonstrated value in La Liga and beyond.