Hercules pushes to finalize a reference striker as the club eyes a top offensive boost
Hercules is moving with urgency as it seeks a proven goalscorer who can deliver impact next season. The club learned from last season and is determined to resolve long-standing attacking issues that have haunted the team in recent years. A promising African striker was signed recently, but the competition for a starting spot remains intense, with a strong belief that the chosen forward can help the team climb into the top five. Two offensive players are on the radar of the sports commission led by Paco Peña, aiming to balance risk and reward as the squad reshapes for the campaign ahead. Meanwhile, doubts linger about Lolo Escobar’s status. If called to join pre-season duties, it seems unlikely that the player will ignore his current plans, though nothing is certain yet.
Mark Mendes joined Hercules as the fourth signing of the off-season, following the acquisitions of winger Alfonso Candelas and midfielders Roger Colomina and Carlos de la Nava. The club also confirmed renewals for Sergio Molina and Carlos Abad, though it remains unclear whether the defense will be reinforced through loans or new signings from the blue and white squad. The upcoming days will reveal how the defensive line is managed as the team approaches the start of pre-season.
Hercules cannot detach itself from Catalonia, as the team contends with a regional derby against Orihuela and plans to install synthetic turf on the home pitch. The squad aims to keep a tight roster as the calendar moves toward the new season, signifying strategic moves that combine local ties with broader scouting. The approach shows a club intent on stability at the base while pursuing growth on the field.
Hercules aims to close the roster and begin pre-season with a clear direction
Hercules intends to finalize the roster within roughly three weeks to start pre-season with a defined plan. The committee projects 13 or 14 fresh faces, highlighting the scale of change for the upcoming campaign. This wave of renewals and new arrivals signals a fresh start as the team slides into the fourth tier of Spanish football with aspirations for rapid progress. Details about Riera’s future remained unsettled, as the club pursued a clear stance on continuity versus renewal, with the defender seeking a higher-tier offer, narrowing renewal chances in the blue and white setup.
With a broad turnover expected, the squad management faces the challenge of balancing experience with youth, aiming to assemble a competitive unit capable of competing for promotion. The recruitment plan emphasizes versatility across attacking and defensive zones, seeking players who can adapt to different tactical systems and intensities as the season unfolds.
Hercules remains optimistic about the market restarting after preseason begins, anticipating opportunities to strengthen the squad further. The captain, Raúl Ruiz, has reportedly faced a limited role in recent times, and his status reflects the broader strategy to optimize payroll while preserving leadership on and off the pitch. The club continues to assess how best to fit the overall budget and still secure the quality required to compete effectively.
The organization is poised to confirm additional transfers before the weekend, positioning the team to hit the ground running in preparation for the new campaign. These moves are framed within a realistic budget, balancing ambition with financial prudence as the season looms on the horizon.