Concern in Elche with the "Nicos"

The final hours of the transfer market in Elche are always unsettling, and this summer is no exception. The new coach, Eder Sarabia, needs three or four high-level signings to compete confidently for promotion, but deals remain unclosed, and experience suggests that with Christian Bragarnik, they may not come to fruition.

Anything can happen in Elche, including the further weakening of the squad. This will occur if either of the "Nicos" finally packs their bags. Fernández Mercau and Castro continue to receive multiple offers and believe that staying another year in Segunda with a team that raises so many doubts is not the best for their future. They have active contracts and owe total loyalty to Bragarnik, but it is also in the owner's interest for the players to grow, climb the ranks, and become assets that later bring in more money.

Both Fernández Mercau and Castro are 23 years old and were among Elche's standout players last season, scoring nine goals between them. Under Sebastián Beccacece's guidance, they showed their best form and believe they are ready for greater challenges. Understandably, Sarabia counts on both of them and wants them to be key figures in the project, but the club has indicated several times that if irresistible offers come in for them, there will be little they can do.

The market closes on Friday night, and at Martínez Valero's offices, there is frantic work to strengthen the squad and calm a fan base that is starting to lose patience.

On another note, Elche has reached an agreement with Álex Ruiz for his incorporation into Elche Ilicitano. The goalkeeper, at 23 years old, becomes the seventh signing for the reserve team, which will compete next season in Segunda Federación.

Álex Ruiz Delgado (Badalona, 19/05/2001) is a goalkeeper with excellent footwork. After completing his training at CF Damm, one of Spain's best talent factories, Álex Ruiz joined FC Barcelona B's setup and later went on loan to CE L'Hospitalet. Finally, the Badalona-born goalkeeper arrives at Elche from Alcorcón B and seeks to prove his worth in Spain's fourth tier.

Elche Ilicitano strengthens its goalkeeping position and continues to fine-tune its squad for the enormous challenge of this new season. Álex Ruiz will bring leadership, professionalism, and experience to a team that sets no limits in its new category.