Hercules Looks to Solidify the Backline as Transfer Window Opens
What stood out in Hercules’ chaotic 2022/23 plan was the lack of veteran, proven center-backs. With a new coach bringing a precise defensive philosophy, the club in Alicante faces the challenge of not repeating past missteps and potentially earning promotion to the third tier of national football.
After two pre-season friendlies against Al Wehda and an academy-style squad, the Blue and White coaching staff grew clear on the identity of a defender who could become a cornerstone. The aim is a durable, reliable central presence that can anchor the defense next season.
Shortly after Friday evening’s friendly, Hercules announced the signing of Marcelo Djaló, a 28-year-old defender born in Barcelona who also holds Guinea-Bissau nationality. Djaló comes to the club after 12 appearances and a period of unemployment following his contract termination with Boavista in November 2021 for personal reasons. The move adds a player with a diverse European career to a squad intent on strengthening the back line.
Throughout his career, Djaló has demonstrated robust physical attributes and competition-ready experience. His journey includes a move to Juventus in 2014, though a debut with the Italian giants never materialized. He subsequently joined Girona, spending time on loan at a Granada affiliate and later continuing at Girona with a loan spell that led to a new challenge in the league. Stability later arrived at Lugo, where he delivered standout performances in two periods (2016-2017 and 2019-2021). Those seasons opened paths to Fulham in Britain and, later, to Boavista, highlighting a career marked by resilience and adaptability.
Statistically notable for his physical presence, Djaló stands tall at 1.92 meters. The coaching staff understands that maintaining peak fitness will be essential, and they intend to tailor a specific training plan to help him integrate with the squad. The coaching pair, Paco Peña and the head coach, also hopes to have a goalkeeper who punishes aerial play with confidence, providing a steady leadership presence that can ride through the season’s toughest moments.
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Even with Djaló on board, Hercules still seeks further reinforcements in the center of defense. Ahead of the season, the main target remains a solid central option, while the club’s full-back situation and younger players in the academy have been tested in early drills. In the early practice matches, the coach relied on a lineup featuring Felipe Chacartegui in central defense and a younger squad member, Dani Marín, in the backline, along with other options from the academy ranks.
While competition for slots is a factor to monitor, the early results offer optimism. The team has kept clean sheets in the first two friendlies and has shown strong defensive organization, suggesting a positive baseline for the season ahead. The next test arrives at Rico Pérez, where Castellón will present a useful gauge of overall team form and, in particular, the resilience of the Alicante side’s defensive unit as it continues to add depth to the coaching roster.
As the squad continues to shape its identity, the goal remains clear: build a cohesive defense capable of withstanding the rigors of the season while fostering a collective attitude that can translate into consistent results on the field. The coming weeks will reveal how the new signings integrate with the core group and whether additional defensive reinforcements will join the ranks before the campaign begins.