Salinas Eyes a Spot in Elche’s First Team as Preseason Approaches
Several Second Division clubs have shown interest in the young right environment around Salinas, with Elche CF evaluating the player’s future and the possibility of leveraging a loan if needed. The focus is clear: what comes next for the Callosa de Segura product and whether the club will keep him in the fold as a potential first-team option.
One of the standout stories is the ongoing interest in Miranda and the potential for a move during the winter window. While Salamanca’s Unionistas made inquiries last season, January brought renewed consideration from Castile as an option after an injury crisis highlighted the need for depth in the squad, particularly at left-back where Miguel Gutierrez has been in the spotlight.
The impressive showing of Franjiverde’s youth team in the First RFEF did not go unnoticed. A rising talent from Callosa de Segura has earned red-letter attention across clubs competing in the silver division, signaling that the youngster’s development is on track and worth monitoring closely.
Despite the possibility of stepping up to the Second Division, Salinas remained focused on his development rather than rushing a leap. His mindset centered on proving to Francisco that he could earn a place in the first team during pre-season and secure a longer-term path with Elche.
Elche’s leadership also believes now is the moment to give him a real chance. The left-back extended his contract with Elche through 2025 last March, and the club’s commitment was explicit: the aim was for him to break into the first team before the season’s start.
“When a young player is at Elche, the dream is to reach the first team. For me, this is a dream and I want to start the pre-season and give my best,” Salinas remarked at the time. He added that Elche’s support throughout the year had been meaningful, and that staying with the first team would signify strong progress. “I can’t wait to touch this dream.”
Discussion around replacing Mojica has influenced the tactical discussions in the squad. Francisco’s plan includes keeping Mojica as the primary left-back and building a structure around a younger squad that can grow into roster roles as the season unfolds. The club is also evaluating how Lucas Olaza could fit into the January plan, should contingencies arise. The Colombian veteran is viewed as a reliable option, capable of guiding Salinas if called upon.
The youth team stands to gain the most from this period of evaluation. It would allow Salinas to feature in multiple matches across La Liga and the Copa del Rey, while also benefiting from daily training alongside a seasoned professional like Mojica. Such an arrangement would help him sharpen his instincts, improve decision-making, and broaden his understanding of the game at the top level.
There is interest in testing a formation that maximizes both Mojica and Salinas’s offensive traits. Francisco has even floated the possibility of deploying three central defenders with two wing-backs—a setup that could play to the strengths of both players while preserving balance in defense. This approach would give Salinas a clear path to integrating into the first team with a defined role.
Should Elche decide to pursue another left-back and Mojica remains in the squad, Salinas’s role could shift significantly. In that scenario, the club might loan the junior player to a Second Division club that has shown interest, ensuring steady minutes and ongoing development rather than stagnation.
Staying in reserve without seeing minutes could stall progress, as the player would risk losing momentum and the opportunity to climb the ladder in his career. At Elche, both the coaching staff and the management team understand the importance of balancing immediate needs with long-term growth for the academy products.
Two clear paths exist: Salinas starts preseason under Francisco’s guidance and, once the roster is finalized, a decision is made about the best outcome for both sides—whether to secure a place in the first team or explore a strategic loan. The club is optimistic about his potential and believes his traits make him a credible candidate for a future role at a high level.
The player is excited about the chance to be part of a centennial season and the responsibilities that come with it. The club has confidence in his qualities and envisions a trajectory that could culminate in a full ascent to the first team. As the preseason unfolds, the path for Salinas will become clearer, and the decision about his long-term status at Elche will hinge on the impressions he makes during those crucial weeks.