One of the notable moments from Sunday’s match at 17:30 featured Elche CF hosting Getafe at the Martínez Valero stadium. Gonzalo Villar, the former Elche player, was set to return to the Elche coliseum for the first time since Elche sold him to Roma in January 2020.
The Murcian midfielder is beloved by the fans, who already cheered for a comeback during the previous winter transfer window when Elche explored options for a midfielder. Franjiverdes supporters are eager to strengthen the squad for the upcoming season.
Villar has never hidden his wish to come back home. He considers himself a fellow Elche fan and, in the last game of the previous season, celebrated promotion to the First Division in a public display of pride, keeping Elche in the top spots.
The midfielder came through Elche’s youth ranks and spent his early years with the club before moving to Valencia in 2015 after a costly administrative transfer. The move involved a payment of 175,000 euros due to the financial situation Elche faced at the time.
After helping the team win promotion to Segunda in the 2018-2019 season, Villar remained with Elche for another season and a half in the second tier, where his performance under coach Pacheta raised his stock. His strong play earned him an offer from Roma, and although he preferred to stay, the Italian club offered a salary of 1.3 million euros, later increased to 1.8 million, a significant rise compared to his earnings at Martínez Valero. The move also provided him the chance to compete for a place in Italian football’s ambitious targets, including Serie A and the Champions League dream.
Bragarnik, who had recently acquired a majority stake in Sepulcre, did not want to miss the opportunity either. Elche received 800,000 euros from the sale, reflecting that the club owned only 20% of Villar’s rights, while the remaining 80% were held by Valencia.
Villar progressed in Italy under Fonseca, who backed him in his signature. Over his second season in Rome, he logged 33 appearances. He reached the Spain U21 setup and drew attention from clubs including Atlético Madrid. Yet Mourinho’s arrival last season limited his playing time, and he missed a major goal, the Tokyo Olympics, as national team duties took a back seat to club selection.
In the current season he has not featured in Serie A and has appeared in only five Conference League matches. In the winter market he joined Getafe on loan, clocking 261 minutes across nine appearances. Last Sunday he came on for Aleñá in the 67th minute against Barcelona, a moment that brought back memories of his earlier Elche days.
On Sunday, with Getafe’s status secured, Villar may be given a start at Valero. When he takes the field, fans are sure to recall his green-and-white years, applauding his affection for the Elche club.
The 24-year-old Murcian still has plenty to prove on the field. He is a midfielder of high quality who, alongside coach Pacheta, excels in balancing defensive duties with creating opportunities. His Roma contract runs through 2024, and the Frangiverde sports commission, particularly Sergio Mantecón, knows his potential well. He could become a different footballer and a valuable addition for next season, making it plausible that he returns to wear the green and white jersey if the conditions align, a prospect that would please many fans.
Damian Suarez
Another familiar face returning to Martínez Valero on Sunday is Damian Suarez. The Uruguayan spent three seasons with Elche, contributing to one promotion and two successful campaigns before leaving the Illicitano club after relegation and making a lasting impact at Getafe for seven seasons as a right-back.
One of the highlights of Sunday’s meeting at 17:30 between Elche CF and Getafe at the Martínez Valero stadium was Gonzalo Villar’s anticipated return to the Elche coliseum, the place he left behind in January 2020 when he moved to Roma.
The Murcian is beloved by fans who already wanted to see him back during the previous winter market, and many Franjiverdes supporters hope for a stronger squad next season.
Villar has always voiced his dream of returning home and considers himself a true Elche supporter. In the final game of the last season, he celebrated Elche’s promotion to the First Division with clear enthusiasm, heightening the sense of belonging to the club.
The midfielder rose through Elche’s academy, staying with the youth teams before transferring to Valencia in 2015, a move driven by urgent financial needs following Elche’s precarious situation.
After helping Elche reach Segunda in 2018-2019, he continued to develop under Pacheta and earned a transfer to Roma. Roma’s financial package, including a salary jump from 1.3 million to 1.8 million, underscored the appeal of playing for a club with ambitions toward Serie A and Champions League glory.
Bragarnik’s recent acquisition of a major stake in Sepulcre facilitated the deal, although Elche’s share of the sale was modest at 800,000 euros, as the club owned 20% of his rights and Valencia held the rest.
In Italy he attracted attention under Fonseca, who gave him minutes gradually. Villlar appeared in 33 matches in his second season at Roma, drawing interest from top Spanish clubs, including Atlético Madrid. Yet Mourinho’s arrival slowed his progress, and he faced a difficult season with limited opportunities, missing the Tokyo Olympics as a result.
This season he has not featured in Serie A and has played only five games in the Conference League. In the winter window he went on loan to Getafe, where he logged 261 minutes over nine matches. Last Sunday he came on as a substitute in the 67th minute against Barcelona, a moment that rekindled memories of his Elche days.
On Sunday, with Getafe already safe, Villar could earn a starting role at Valero. When he is on the field, fans are sure to remember his green-and-white beginnings and the deep affection he holds for the Elche club.
The 24-year-old Murcian still has a lot to prove on the pitch. He is a skilled midfielder who, alongside coach Pacheta, works hard to balance defense and attack. His Roma contract runs through 2024. The Frangiverde sports committee, especially Sergio Mantecón, knows him well and believes he can be a key contributor next season. It remains possible that he will face Elche on Sunday and could don the green-and-white jersey again if the right conditions arise, a development that would delight many fans.
Damian Suarez
Another familiar face returning to Martínez Valero on Sunday is Damian Suarez. The Uruguayan spent three seasons with Elche, contributing to one promotion and two successful stints. He left the Illicitano club after administrative relegation and enjoyed a long, defining spell at Getafe as a right-back for seven seasons.