Two Asobal Veterans Strengthen Horneo EÓN Alicante

Horneo EÓN Alicante is making serious moves following their promotion to Asobal, announcing the arrival of two seasoned veterans of Spanish handball: pivot José Oliver and centre Borja Méndez.

Oliver, a 29-year-old from Elche, has played 168 matches in Asobal with BM Benidorm, scoring 66 goals, and is particularly known for his defensive prowess. Having spent seven seasons at the neighbouring club over two different periods, Oliver began his career at Balonmano Elche, moved to Barça's youth academy, and then joined Benidorm in the 2015/2016 season. His talent quickly saw him rise, under Fernando Latorre's guidance, from the National First Division team to ASOBAL. During this time, he also played for Torrelavega for three years before returning to Benidorm.

Beyond his extensive experience in Spain's top handball league, the Elche player also boasts international experience, having been a European and World champion with the Junior Hispanos and competing in the EHF with Servigroup Benidorm in the 2022/2023 season.

According to sporting director Abraham Rochel, Oliver is a "proven player, a defensive specialist with many years in Asobal. Standing nearly two metres tall, he will bolster the defence and is sure to be a key player in that area. Additionally, we have the advantage that the player knows the coaching staff well, and they know him well too. They have worked together before, and we know Pepe is excited to join our project," he adds.

Meanwhile, Borja Méndez joins from Viveros Herol BM Nava, where he has played for the past two seasons. The 28-year-old centre from Vigo has extensive experience in the Plenitude Asobal League, having started in the 17/18 season with Condes de Albarei Teucro. Since then, he has played for BM Anaitasuna, Servigroup Benidorm, Recoletas Atlético Valladolid, and BM Nava.

In total, he has played 219 matches and scored 618 goals. These achievements have seen him frequently among the candidates for the Asobal ideal team, as well as MVP of the matchday.

For Rochel, "having the central position with Ander Torriko gives the team the luxury of having two top-level players for an exciting but also very demanding season."