Lautaro Blanco: “Coming to Elche and to Europe is a very important step in his career”
Lautaro Blanco’s move to Elche CF came during the winter window, marking his first chapter abroad. The Argentine winger had already drawn attention from the Valencian club the prior summer when a deal to sign him from Rosario Central was agreed for four million euros. Blanco agreed to a five-year contract that runs through 2027, part of Elche’s long-term rebuild during the World Cup break. In his first European season, he has logged 945 minutes across 18 appearances, with 17 in La Liga and one in the Copa del Rey this term.
Blanco earned a call-up to the Argentina national team in March, selected by head coach Lionel Scaloni to join the Albiceleste for friendlies against Panama and Curacao. Although he did not debut, the recognition boosted his profile at home and signaled his potential as a rising talent who could attract transfer interest if Elche faced a relegation battle. Following Elche’s final league match of the season, Blanco spoke about prioritizing rest and a refreshed mindset for pre-season with the franciverde squad. He stressed that the club remained the focus and that any market movements would be decided in due course, with the immediate plan centered on recovery and proving himself in pre-season training.
Blanco won’t debut with Argentina
At 24 years old, the Rosario native faced questions about the team’s relegation and the reasons behind it. Blanco admitted he was unsure how to respond and chose to stand by his teammates. The mood within the squad in the closing stages stayed positive, and the club emphasized its objective to keep preparing for what lies ahead, with promotion as the overarching target for the next season.
Beccacece’s arrival had given Blanco a clear trajectory, though he did not weigh in on whether his compatriot would have earned a podium spot sooner. He highlighted the group’s cohesion and the uplifting locker-room atmosphere as key factors in finishing the campaign strongly. Blanco also clarified the positions he prefers, which include the right wing or the left flank in midfield, roles he has occupied most often with Elche. He stressed that moving abroad for the first time had been smooth and that he bonded well with the squad. The presence of several Argentine and South American teammates helped speed up integration, making the adjustment easier. He noted that South American football is highly competitive, while Spanish football emphasizes ball circulation, though the gap is not dramatic.
During his time with Elche, Blanco did not hide his satisfaction with his growing role, acknowledging comfort in the new environment. He emphasized the importance of collaboration with teammates and the coaching staff, highlighting a sense of unity that sustained the squad through tougher moments of the season.
Lautaro Blanco at the end of the match against Cádiz last Sunday
Ultimately, Blanco voiced a desire to end the season on a high note with a victory that had eluded Elche in the clash with Cádiz. He conceded that two late goals decided the result, but stayed focused on maintaining the work ethic shown throughout the campaign and on keeping the team resolute as they prepare for the next challenge and the push for promotion back to the top division.
[Citation: Elche CF communications and match reports; national team selections reported by the Argentina Football Association]