Manu Nieto Joins Elche on Loan with Purchase Option
Elche CF announced its first winter signing this Sunday, bringing in Manu Nieto on a loan deal from Andorra, with an option to buy by season’s end. The forward has long been on the radar of Elche’s sports commission and emerged as a standout player last season.
Manu Nieto, born in Villa del Río, Córdoba on March 29, 1998, began his football journey in the youth system of Real Betis. He spent years in the lower divisions before signing with the Cadiz subsidiary. Cadiz loaned him to Andorra, and upon his return he earned his first appearance with the first team of Cadiz in La Liga. A subsequent loan spell followed, during which the principality side secured promotion to the Segunda Division three seasons ago.
Andorra took partial rights and, last year, Nieto shined as a key contributor to the club’s promotion to the Silver division of Spanish football. He scored in all playoff matches against Celta B and Real Madrid Castilla, establishing himself as a scoring threat in decisive moments.
His strong performances led Andorra to bring him back, despite Elche’s interest in keeping him on longer as a Barça player. This season began with pace; on the second matchday he hit three goals against Cartagena. As the league progressed, his influence moderated, and Elche head coach Beccacece used him as a tactical weapon to unlock defenses.
Initially, Andorra did not want to part with him, but recent developments changed the equation. Andorra secured the services of Jon Karrikaburu, and Elche pressed on. Real Sociedad and Nieto himself favored game time in a more competitive environment, ultimately pushing the move in a direction favorable to a loan with an option to buy to Elche.
The Elche sports commission acted swiftly to secure the deal. Nieto will join on loan with an option to purchase at the end of the season. He is seen as the player of today and tomorrow, a flexible attacker who can adapt to multiple positions and responsibilities on the pitch. Though at 25 he remains in a phase where substantial improvement is possible, the club believes he can make the jump to Martinez Valero with continued development.
Nieto is described as a versatile forward, possessing quality finishing, smart distribution, and a nose for goal. He is more than a traditional number nine; he can operate as a second striker and even on the wings. His willingness to contribute defensively—pressing and tracking back—adds value to Elche’s pressing system, a quality Beccacece values highly in a player who can push the team’s overall intensity.
Physically, the Córdoba native is expected to complete his medical examination on Monday and begin training with the squad at the Díez Iborrra facility from 10 am. His first appearance for Elche could come as soon as the league resumes in Tenerife on Saturday at 18:30, depending on preparation and selection decisions.
Nieto’s arrival brings competition to Elche’s attacking options, joining Mourad, Borja Garcés, and Sergio León. The club’s plan includes adding another striker in due course if a fit option becomes available, aiming to bolster the squad’s goal threat for the second half of the campaign. While Karrikaburu’s profile was considered, an injury to Óscar Plano opened the door for Nieto and shifted the club’s priorities toward strengthening the forward line with a player who can contribute immediately and also grow with the project.
Elche remains vigilant in the transfer market, aware that finding the perfect fit is challenging. The decision to sign Manu Nieto reflects a broader strategy to secure experienced performers who can adapt to the team’s style and deliver in key moments. In the coming weeks, more options may be explored, including potential departures or reinforcements from other leagues, should a suitable opportunity arise.