Proficiency reports continue to center on Iván Marcone and his potential move from Elche to Independiente de Avellaneda, with Christian Bragarnik, who controls Elche, once again at the heart of the negotiations. The owner, known for his influence within the club, asserted that any transfer would only proceed under terms that fully satisfy the parent club and the player alike, while ensuring the club’s financial guidelines are respected.
Multiple Argentine outlets suggested the deal was concluded even before an official statement appeared. The proposed package included a two million dollar transfer and a plan to amortize four million in total commitments, with Boca Juniors still holding a claim on a portion of the payments from the 2020 summer window.
Bragarnik had already warned that if certain payments were not covered, Marcone would not depart, explaining that the arrangements were prepared with LaLiga salary constraints in mind. The emphasis was on arranging a path that would be acceptable to all involved and keep within the boundaries set by the relevant leagues.
The Elche custodian showed a willingness to arrange payment schedules, with the understanding that formal written agreements would cement every detail before any transfer could be finalized.
The original proposal laid out that the two million-dollar portion would ultimately be settled in the United States, with four installments of five hundred thousand dollars each. Since Independiente was short on liquidity to complete the deal immediately, a grace period was granted, with payments anticipated to begin in mid-2023 after all documents were formally signed.
The player, keen on returning to Argentina, hopes to don the Independiente red shirt next season, a dream he has cherished since childhood. This aligns with his desire to wear the home kit of Independiente and be part of a project back in his homeland.
Marcone would sign a two-and-a-half season contract, and there were efforts to reduce his earnings figure. Bragarnik stated that both Elche and the player were prepared to facilitate the operation within normal parameters, avoiding anything that would require hasty payroll or transfer actions from either side.
After several weeks of negotiations, a settlement appeared within reach, though the formal confirmation from both clubs was still pending. The release was imminent, with the remaining step simply being the official announcement confirming the transfer to Independiente.
Star signatures and role changes marked the season, as Marcone arrived at Elche with high expectations after shining as a key signing under coach Jorge Almirón at Lanús, where he helped win a domestic title and achieved Libertadores exposure. In his first spell at Martínez Valero, his form was strong, featuring a solid start under Almirón and later Escribá, appearing in 33 matches with 30 starts. In the closing rounds against Cádiz and Athletic Bilbao, the team earned crucial points that helped secure La Liga status, yet his position fluctuated as time passed and new players emerged, including a teammate who stepped into more prominent duties.
That season offered limited prominence for Marcone, with coaching decisions not highlighting him as a central figure. He logged about 20 appearances, with the majority coming early on and a few more in cup fixtures, while tactical shifts limited his playing time and he watched from the bench in some key fixtures.
Piatti’s reported agreement with a different club in Argentina reflected a similar pattern: a veteran midfielder who failed to secure a long-term role with Elche and who would return to his homeland to continue his career. The decision, reported by Argentine outlets, pointed to minimal playing time in Europe and a transition back to the local league after a season and a half of limited minutes.