César Moreno wants a better future
Maxi Ribero is seen as a dynamic presence within the squad, a trusted contributor who helped stabilize the team after a demanding season. As one of the 15 free agents at the close of June, he stood out with energy, reliability, and a knack for scoring clutch moments. His performance against César Moreno in the early rounds underscored his value and reinforced the group’s resilience when pressures mounted. When the León defense showed signs of strain, Ribero stepped up, balancing the lines and keeping the momentum alive as the team faced a tense period amid coaching transitions and shifting playing time on the bench.
Hercules’ evolving roster and strategic aims
Hercules maintains a flexible roster with 15 open spots, including 10 senior slots. If plans hold, Roger Riera is expected to sign a formal renewal after returning from vacation. There is also talk of a move involving the Argentine midfielder, though the sports committee has not yet reached a consensus. Ribero is valued as a solid asset, particularly within the Second Division framework. With last season’s hurdles and a surplus of midfield options, the club is weighing which profiles will best complement the core leaders and maximize long-term value.
Maxi Ribero: a stabilizing force and balance
Even after Lolo Escobar’s departure and the shift from Míchel and Toscano to César, Hercules’ green-and-white youth system could not fully rebound from an injury in Cartagena. The ongoing rivalry surrounding Maxi influenced both sides and touched the balance of the squad. A crucial business factor remains a player trusted to contribute to future sales, highlighting Maxi’s role as a steadying influence that keeps options open for the club’s plans.
Outshining César
In February, Hercules decided to replace César Moreno with a longer-term extension through 2027, including the possibility of a loan to a Second Division club if a suitable opportunity arises. The aim is to give Moreno regular minutes elsewhere to improve his market value, a strategy that did not always align with the central plan this season. When Sergio Mora placed his trust in Moreno, the expected return fell short of those ambitions.
On matchday 10 against Manresa, just before the break, Hercules led 1-0 but the game ended in a draw after Manresa exited the field. Across the season, the Argentine midfielder tallied 21 appearances, often starting alongside the team’s principal attacking figure. He frequently yielded space to allow Moreno to operate, though coaching changes and strategic shifts affected minutes and roles.
To keep the club moving forward, Hercules shifted the natural substitute from Murcia and looked to bring in a former player to balance the squad and keep options open. Debate within the squad intensified over where Ribero’s presence would have the greatest impact. Some viewed him as a proven performer who thrives under pressure, while others argued that a César-Ribero pairing could unlock greater value in certain areas of the pitch.
Two mid-July milestones were noted: training was set to begin on July 10, with players arriving early for medical checks, and Hercules planned to reinforce the squad with five under-23 players, ten senior professionals, and a side agreement with Roger Riera. There was continued consideration of Salah on a side contract, signaling strategic flexibility for the season ahead.
Looking toward the future from Misiones, attention turns to a player who wishes to remain in Alicante. The professional status remains strong, and as soon as the month closes, opportunities with another club could emerge. Talks and offers to extend contracts for Ivan Martinez, Carlos Abad, and Roger Riera indicate a busy decision-making period as Hercules shapes its roster for the upcoming season, balancing development and performance goals. [Citation: Club strategy reports, 2024–25 season]