Javier “El Flaco” Pastore and Fede “Bird” Fernandez are awaiting the final sign-off that will definitively separate them from Elche CF. The two players, long linked with a potential move away, have not yet formalized their departure, but the intention to part ways appears clear and imminent as both parties work toward a clean break from the club they have represented in recent seasons.
Initially, the players were expected to join the Oliva concentration as part of the squad’s training schedule. However, last Saturday the club made a decisive call, indicating that extending their status would not be worthwhile. In practical terms, this meant that Pastore and Fernandez would not be factored into the plans of the new coaching staff, signaling a strategic shift for the team as they reorganize ahead of upcoming fixtures.
Fede Fernández and Pastore to leave Elche
JA Galvanized
The decision has not been popular among some supporters and within certain sections of the club. The two Argentines, both with international exposure, were seen by many as capable of contributing one last push to the squad this season. With the Franjiverde organization moving forward, the focus has turned to how the departure will be managed and what comes next for the players as they seek new opportunities. The club conveyed that the staff responsible for conditioning and rehabilitation would accompany the team during the Oliva training camp, but the players themselves would not be required to participate in sessions at Martínez Valero as part of the immediate transition plan.
The owner of Elche, Christian Bragarnikis, is actively working toward finalizing agreements with the representatives of Pastore and Fede Fernández. Contracts are currently in place through the end of the season, but discussions are ongoing to outline a smooth exit strategy. The aim is to avoid dragging out the process, ensuring that the situation does not drift into uncertainty. The expectation is that a concrete resolution will be reached soon, ideally before the team returns from a recent tour or regrouping period in Valencia territory. This would allow a timely transition for both players and the club as they prepare for the next phase of the season.
As negotiations unfold, the club remains focused on maintaining a stable environment for the rest of the squad. The potential departures are balanced against the need to preserve team cohesion, especially as younger players step up to fill any gaps. The leadership at Elche understands the broader implications of player movements and is maneuvering carefully to protect the club’s competitive aspirations while honoring the contributions Pastore and Fernández have made during their time with the team.