Óscar Melendo Jiménez, a young midfielder from Espanyol, could soon become part of Elche. Reports indicate that Bragarnik has effectively secured his agreement, and the midfielder’s approval appears imminent. The Elche owner is poised to press the transfer button. The club’s current situation is driven not only by back-to-back defeats to Cartagena and Ibiza but also by injuries across the franciverde squad and the lack of new signings that could boost the team’s competitiveness.
The latest updates confirm ongoing negotiations in recent days, with only minor hurdles likely to be resolved soon, bringing an agreement within reach. Since Melendo terminated his contract with Espanyol last June, only the player and Elche have remained in talks.
Interest from other clubs, including Almería and Girona, has been noted for the Catalan talent, who was born in Sant Adrià de Besòs (Barcelona) and will turn 25 on the 23rd. With battles looming against the aforementioned opponents, the necessary reinforcement could be announced this week.
player characteristics
Melendo is described as the present and the future the club sought, a target Bragarnik has long wanted. His arrival would be cost-free in terms of a transfer and would fill a midfield role Elche needed. He brings top-flight experience, having clocked up around a hundred appearances with Espanyol, a club he has served for nearly two decades.
Creativity and a reliable finishing pass are the traits Francisco’s team requires. Melendo possesses excellent game vision, a quality that could elevate the team’s overall standard and stimulate healthy competition among teammates. He also provides precise ball progression, helps create scoring chances, fosters good chemistry, and often threads incisive passes from deeper positions.
Standing at about 1.67 meters tall and weighing roughly 63 kilograms, he combines high technical skill with a resilience that keeps him in play. The versatile right-sided player can operate as a wide midfielder or as an inside option, offering flexibility across the midfield spectrum.
Also for Dani Gómez
The Catalan is currently close to Elche striker Dani Gómez in recent discussions. The potential addition of a Levante player has been on the radar for some time, and Bragarnik’s moves could bring in two reinforcements in rapid succession. It is clear that Elche needs more depth. The Franciverde leadership knows the pressure is mounting and that the squad must continue growing. With just two weeks left before the season opener, Francisco faces the challenge of assembling a reliable starting XI for LaLiga. Players such as Lucas Boyé, Pastore, and Gonzalo Verdu are highlighted in this effort, underscoring the urgency to strengthen the squad before kickoff.
Óscar Melendo Jiménez, a promising Espanyol youngster, could soon join Elche. The talks have progressed in recent days, and with few obstacles remaining, a deal could be imminent. Since Melendo left Espanyol last June, the two sides have been negotiating privately, while other clubs have watched closely. The midfielder, born in Sant Adrià de Besòs in Barcelona, will celebrate his 25th birthday on the 23rd. The potential move could be announced within the week as Elche aims to fortify its midfield options ahead of the new league campaign.
player characteristics
Melendo is viewed as the player who can shape the present and the future the club wants. He would join without a transfer fee, filling a midfield vacancy that Elche has struggled to cover. His experience in the Spanish top division is solid, having amassed close to a hundred appearances with Espanyol, a club with which he has developed a long-standing connection over 19 years.
His strengths lie in creativity and precise finishing passes, elements that Francisco’s side needs to elevate its attacking output. Melendo’s game intelligence is a major plus, raising the level of competition within the squad and enabling better link-ups. His ball-playing ability supports the creation of goal-scoring chances and the establishment of strong on-pitch relationships, frequently delivering deep and well-timed passes.
With a height of around 1.67 meters and a weight near 63 kilograms, Melendo balances technical flair with durability. He remains highly skilled and is capable of playing across multiple midfield roles, including as an interior midfielder or on the right flank.
Also for Dani Gómez
In recent days, Melendo’s name has run close to Dani Gómez in Elche’s planning conversations. The potential addition of a Levante player has been discussed for a while, and Bragarnik’s approach could deliver two early-season reinforcements. Elche’s leadership recognizes the need for more options. The club’s focus is on stabilizing the squad ahead of LaLiga’s opening weekend, with players like Lucas Boyé, Pastore, and Gonzalo Verdú highlighted as pivotal to the team’s early plans, underscoring the urgency of adding depth before the season starts.