Summer in offices tends to be busy and demanding. martinez valero. HE Elche’s drop to the Second Division has sparked interest in holding Primera players, while other top-tier clubs become sought after by teams aiming higher.
Within the green fringe, a number of players have delivered strong seasons. Attention in the First Division shifts to those near the bottom and those on the rise, including Palm and Grenade. The debate also centers on the battle for third place with Eibar, Alavés, Levante, and Albacete in the mix.
One club ready to capitalize on Elche’s relegation and nearby Granada developments is in the Nasrid orbit, with midfielders Gerard Gumbau and Omar Mascarell among the names circling the radar.
The Catalan midfielder holds freedom of choice as his contract winds down. The Elche sports commission has offered a renewal, but for now he is weighing options, with the clear aim of pursuing a new challenge and continuing to play in the Premier League.
Gumbau has stood out as one of the best performers over the past two seasons, making it unlikely he stays with Elche. Several teams have shown interest, including Rayo Vallecano, Granada, and Girona, which has kept him in the transfer spotlight in recent weeks.
Francisco could shift to the bench at Elche or Girona. In Granada, sports director Nico Rodríguez was the man who signed him during his stint at Elche. Girona is his birthplace and the club that helped him rise to Premier League level.
For Mascarell, Nico Rodríguez also played a key role in securing his move to Elche. He lured Mascarell back after a spell with Schalke 04 in Germany. Before leaving Elche last season, Rodríguez acknowledged that Mascarell was the most important signing he had made for the club, a player essential for staying in the division. Now the path may cross again.
Granada’s sporting director knows Mascarell carries a release clause, even with a contract through 2025. If a club meets the release amount from Elche, Mascarell could leave on loan. The player himself intends to remain in the Primera Division and does not feel entirely comfortable in the central role used by coach Beccacece.
Granada is pursuing a central midfielder as Pol Lozano, who has spent time on loan in the top tier, is eyed to help shield the team from relegation. Lozano is often linked with lifting a squad, and Espanyol has previously recorded wins over Girona and Granada in sequence.
The Nasrid group believes Mascarell fits the defensive midfield role perfectly given his experience and quality. Yet Granada is not the only club showing interest; Mallorca is also scouting players with similar traits to boost their engine room.
Budget limits remain a factor for both Granada and Mallorca. Neither side can meet Mascarell’s five-million termination clause outright, but a loan option around five hundred thousand euros for rights and roughly one million euros for the loan arrangement is being considered.
The decision now rests with Mascarell. Will he stay in the Primera Division or help Elche push for promotion? If a loan is chosen and Elche earns promotion next season, the midfielder would need to return to complete the remainder of his contract, complicating negotiations for everyone involved. Elche would need to quickly find a replacement if Mascarell leaves.
Mascarell shapes the Elche contest
VL Deltel
Granada continues to seek midfield solidity after Pol Lozano joined on loan and produced solid performances in the top tier. With relegation looming for some clubs, there is a focused effort to craft a season-saving plan, and Lozano’s presence is viewed as a potential catalyst for a return to the top flight. A strong midfield presence could be pivotal for Granada and its ambitions to rebound.
In Mascarell’s case, the Nasrid club sees him as a natural fit for the defensive midfield position thanks to his experience and class. Yet Granada is not alone; Mallorca is also examining similar profiles to strengthen their engine room.
Budget constraints remain a theme for both Granada and Mallorca. Neither side can meet Mascarell’s five-million termination clause outright, but a loan scenario around five hundred thousand euros for registration plus roughly one million euros for the transfer concept is under consideration.
In the end, Mascarell must decide whether to remain in the Premier League or lend his talent to Elche in their bid for promotion. If a loan is chosen and promotion comes, the logistics of returning to fulfill the contract year could complicate negotiations for all parties. Elche would face the challenge of filling any gap created by his departure.