The saga surrounding Mourad has reached a decisive moment as talks concluded with concrete plans for his future. A morning meeting at Martinez Valero Stadium brought together Elche’s technical secretary, Sergio Mantecón, and Mourad’s representatives to map out a practical path from a stalemate that had left the young forward stuck in the third tier of Spanish football. His proven quality at Alcoyano in both the Second B and the First RFEF underscored why these negotiations mattered for everyone involved and why a decision needed to be made swiftly.
From the outset, both the club and Mourad’s agents recognized the necessity of progress. Preseason training with Elche’s first team had begun under the guidance of the manager Francisco, with Mourad participating in early sessions that kept his status firmly in the spotlight of the talks. The conversations aimed to balance development with opportunity, ensuring Mourad would get meaningful minutes while the club safeguarded a future asset capable of contributing at the highest level.
Ultimately a commitment was reached. Mourad extended his contract with Elche for two additional years, binding him to the club through 2025. The plan includes a season on loan at Burgos to secure regular first team minutes and sharpen his abilities. If he proves himself in the senior setup after the loan, the extension remains valid. Should Elche decide not to integrate him into the first squad, a release clause would apply with modest compensation for the club, preserving mutual flexibility while prioritizing development and fairness.
Following the agreement, several clubs in the second tier entered the dialogue. Lugo emerged early in discussions involving Elche and Mourad’s representatives, demonstrating interest in his potential impact at a higher level. Later, Andorra and Burgos joined the negotiations as stakeholders in his career trajectory. Andorra is a recently promoted side in the second division, while Burgos has established a solid footprint in the same league, boasting a robust football culture and a loyal local fanbase. This environment can play a decisive role in a young player’s growth by providing consistent game time and real step-up challenges.
In the end Mourad chose Burgos and will move to the second division, a league where he had previously debuted with Elche but never received sustained opportunities to prove himself in the first team. At the age of 24, this transfer offers a fresh chance to demonstrate the consistency required to climb the ranks and become a regular contributor to Elche’s senior squad. The expectation is that he will compete for a prominent role in the near term, leveraging the groundwork laid during time with the reserve squad and the academy setup to push his development forward.
In recent weeks Mourad has been training with the Ilicitano reserve squad and taking part in preseason friendlies. With the reserve structure currently undergoing changes, his future presence there will depend on whether the loan to Burgos continues or if he returns to strengthen Elche’s attacking options. Regardless of the immediate outcome, the move marks a significant milestone in Mourad’s career, signaling readiness to transition from youth and reserve football to the professional arena where performances count most.
As observers evaluated the decision, the consensus was that Mourad could adapt quickly to the tempo and intensity of the second division. The transfer aligns with Elche’s broader objective of developing homegrown talent while ensuring the player receives meaningful minutes. The arrangement should also boost Burgos’ attacking options as they pursue a demanding campaign in Spain’s second tier. This development has sparked optimism among fans and staff alike, who see in Mourad a player capable of rising through the ranks with consistent, high-quality performances. (Source: Club statements and press discussions)