Hercules de Alicante 2024 looks different, but some gaps stay the same
In the same place with the same sharp horizon, the outlook is brighter than a year ago, perhaps even better. Hercules 2023-24 finished with more progress than the year before at this point in the calendar. Last year the squad relied on only two contracted players, César Moreno and Sandro Toscano, plus two advanced stand-ins, Raúl Ruiz and Nico Espinosa. Thirteen new names have already joined the blue and white locker room this summer, and they still have three weeks before the team kicks into high gear for pre-season.
The market moves slowly. Seven full weeks have elapsed since Lolo Escobar’s team wrapped the season at Can Misses against relegated CD Ibiza. Fifty days were given to complete six moves: four contracts (Roger Colomina, Alfonso Candelas, Carlos de la Nava and Marcos Mendes) and two career extensions, one for the established Carlos Abad and the other for the newly joined Sergi Molina.
The technical secretary begins from a stronger base on a second promotion attempt. He currently oversees seven players. Lolo Escobar has renewed seven players: César Moreno, Míchel Herrero, José Artiles, Alvarito, Nico Espinosa, Jean Paul N’Djolí and Salah.
Yet there is a stubborn issue that has not progressed. The defense remains the most fragile area in preparation, with a lack of depth and some unsettled positions.
shortcomings
With all the available space, the team still has two exposed zones: central defense and the right flank. Trialist Molina is training in July and August, and left back Candelas is the only established option in a line that has seen a sudden breakdown in commitment. Angel Rodriguez sits on the bench. Riera has raised questions about his future in Alicante as deadlines loom. Raul Ruiz on the right side faces renewed doubts, and the containment system still looks as uncertain as it did last August.
Hercules does not separate from Catalonia, loses the derby with Orihuela, and updates the pitch
Pedro Rojas
The new year brings a clearer sense of scale, even if the overall volume is still modest. Hercules finished the regular season in seventh place in the fourth tier, a position that marks a rare low in recent decades. The club began official signings on July 14, formalizing the arrival of Victor Eimil. A few key operations remain active, such as the French midfielder from La Nucía Thomas Dasquet and others who have departed, including the Ghanaian winger Kingsley Phobia.
Could Thomas Dasquet find a regular place at Hercules?
Pedro Rojas
The market is moving forward with some regret, but unlike last year, the blue and white can leverage a broader negotiating position. The sporting commission has aligned with Lolo Escobar’s wishes, who has been on vacation since Bonfires week. Along with his brother José and the goalkeeping coach, Alberto Segarra, they will oversee scouting and analysis. This trio will share the workload among the technical staff to prepare competitive reports.
Hercules plans to sign eleven more players
Caesar Hernandez
The club aims to strengthen every position. Right now, the priority groups include Mendes and Salah in forward areas, Artiles and De la Nava in midfield, and Míchel and Colomina in attacking roles. The reinforcements around César Moreno, Alvarito, Nico, Candelas and Carlos Abad remain to be completed. At least three defenders, three fullbacks (two on the right), and one goalkeeper are still sought. Jean Paul’s status remains uncertain for various reasons, but he could still act as a versatile attacking option.