The 2025/26 season marks Elche CF’s return to La Liga following a two-year absence, a period spent recalibrating in Segunda División after their relegation in 2023. The Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero, which hosted matches during the 1982 World Cup, welcomes back top-flight football with cautious optimism rather than reckless ambition. Sebastián Beccacece, the Argentine manager who masterminded promotion via the playoffs in 2024/25, has instilled a pragmatic, defensively organised identity suited to a club with modest resources. The Franjiverdes (Green Stripes), as they are known, represent the province of Alicante and its rich agricultural heritage. This season’s squad reflects Elche’s survival blueprint: experienced veterans who understand the grind of a relegation battle, loanees from bigger clubs seeking regular minutes, undervalued South Americans with technical quality, and homegrown products from the club’s modest academy. There is no expectation of European football, only the desperate fight to avoid an immediate return to the second division. Below lies an exhaustive examination of Elche’s first-team roster for 2025/26, organised by position, with each player’s journey, financial details, and stylistic fingerprints dissected thoroughly.
Goalkeepers
1. Édgar Badía
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Cornellà, Elche
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Édgar Badía has become Elche’s longest-serving current first-team player and undisputed number one, entering his ninth season at the Martínez Valero and providing Spanish shot-stopping reliability, leadership, and promotion-winning experience. The 33-year-old’s reflexes (75% save percentage in 2024/25 Segunda, 73% in 2025/26 La Liga to date) and command of the penalty area (86% cross-claiming success) have been instrumental in Elche’s return to the top flight. Badía’s distribution (87% pass completion) remains functional, but his shot-stopping fundamentals have proven remarkably consistent across nearly a decade. Having started 35 league matches in 2024/25’s promotion campaign and 30 in 2025/26, keeping 13 clean sheets combined across both seasons, he remains remarkably durable. Badía’s relationship with the club—over 250 appearances—provides emotional connection for the fans, who have watched him develop from a promising youth into a genuine La Liga goalkeeper. Badía’s contract runs through 2028, with Elche viewing him as long-term number one. Badía’s performance against Barcelona in December 2025—making 10 saves, including a penalty stop—demonstrated his enduring quality at the highest level.
2. Miguel San Román
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Albacete, Elche
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Miguel San Román has accepted a rotational role behind Badía, providing Spanish backup depth and cup competition cover following his arrival from Albacete. The 28-year-old’s shot-stopping (71% save percentage in limited appearances) and distribution (85% pass completion) provide functional cover. San Román started 10 matches in 2025/26 (cup competitions and Badía’s rest), keeping 4 clean sheets. San Román’s contract runs through 2028.
3. Kiko Jímenez
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Elche B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Kiko Jímenez has graduated to emergency third-choice option following development with Elche B. The 23-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
Defenders
1. Pedro Bigas (Captain)
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Las Palmas, Eibar, Elche
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2021)
Pedro Bigas has become Elche’s defensive captain and leader, entering his fifth season at the club and providing Spanish experience, aerial dominance, and organisational communication. The 34-year-old’s reading of the game—intercepting passes (2.3 per 90), cutting angles, covering for advancing full-backs—provides defensive security. His aerial duel success (83%) leads Elche’s defence, neutralising target forwards and providing set-piece security. Bigas’s tackling (2.5 per 90) and blocks (1.3 per 90) demonstrate old-school defending. His passing (86% completion) remains basic; his role involves clearing danger and organising younger teammates. Bigas’s partnership with Mario Gaspar (and later his successor) has conceded only 1.18 goals per 90 minutes over the 2025/26 season to date. Bigas’s leadership, formalised as club captain following the promotion campaign, manages Elche’s dressing room through vocal authority and professional standards. Bigas’s contract runs through 2028, with a coaching role likely thereafter. Bigas’s performance against Sevilla in October 2025—winning 10 duels, organising the defensive line—demonstrated his value.
2. Mario Gaspar
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Villarreal
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Mario Gaspar’s summer 2024 arrival from Villarreal added Spanish international experience (2015-2017), versatility, and defensive diligence to Elche’s backline following his long career at the Estadio de la Cerámica. The 34-year-old’s versatility across right-back and centre-back offers Beccacece tactical flexibility. His defensive positioning (2.0 interceptions per 90) and tackling (2.6 per 90) provide functional cover. Gaspar’s overlapping runs (3.2 per 90) and crossing (36% accuracy) created 2 assists in 2025/26. Gaspar’s relationship with Spanish teammates provides comfort; his 350+ La Liga appearances provide dressing room wisdom. Gaspar’s contract runs through 2027.
3. Lautaro Blanco
Nationality: Argentine
Former Clubs: Rosario Central, Elche
Transfer Fee: £1.5 million (2024)
Lautaro Blanco has emerged as Elche’s first-choice left-back following his arrival from Rosario Central, providing Argentine international pace, crossing, and defensive improvement. The 26-year-old’s overlapping runs (3.8 per 90) and crossing (38% accuracy) created 5 assists in 2025/26, leading the team’s assist charts. His defensive positioning (1.9 interceptions per 90) and tackling (2.7 per 90) provide balance. Blanco’s recovery pace (34.9 km/h) prevents dangerous transitions. Blanco’s relationship with Spanish-speaking teammates provides comfort; his Argentine grit embodies Beccacece’s demands. Blanco’s contract runs through 2029, with Elche rejecting January 2026 approaches.
4. José Salinas
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Elche B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
José Salinas has become Elche’s first-choice right-back, providing Spanish work rate, crossing, and defensive diligence following his graduation from Elche B. The 25-year-old’s overlapping runs (3.4 per 90) and crossing (36% accuracy) created 2 assists in 2025/26. His defensive positioning (1.8 interceptions per 90) and tackling (2.5 per 90) provide security. Salinas’s relationship with the club—academy since childhood—provides emotional connection. Salinas’s contract runs through 2029, with Elche viewing him as long-term right-back solution.
5. Santiago Hezze
Nationality: Argentine
Former Clubs: Huracán, Elche
Transfer Fee: £2 million (2025)
Santiago Hezze’s summer 2025 arrival from Huracán added Argentine midfield versatility and defensive cover to Elche’s squad, but he has also been deployed at right-back when needed. The 24-year-old’s tackling (2.8 per 90) and work rate provide functional depth. Hezze’s contract runs through 2029.
6. Clément Lenglet
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: Nancy, Sevilla, Barcelona, Tottenham Hotspur (loan)
Transfer Fee: Loan from Barcelona (2025)
Clément Lenglet’s season-long loan from Barcelona added French international pedigree, left-footed passing, and European experience to Elche’s centre-back options. The 30-year-old’s passing (4.8 progressive passes per 90) and composure under pressure provide functional depth. Lenglet’s aerial duel success (79%) and tackling (2.3 per 90) provide defensive security. Lenglet’s loan expires at the end of the 2025/26 season.
7. John Nwankwo
Nationality: Nigerian
Former Clubs: Cosenza (loan), Elche
Transfer Fee: £1 million (2023)
John Nwankwo has provided emergency centre-back depth following his arrival from Italian football, offering Nigerian physicality and aerial presence. The 25-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
8. Borja García
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Elche B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Borja García has provided left-back emergency depth following development with Elche B. The 23-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
Midfielders
1. Omar Mascarell (Vice-Captain)
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Real Madrid Castilla, Derby County, Schalke 04, Eintracht Frankfurt, Elche
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2022)
Omar Mascarell has become Elche’s midfield anchor and vice-captain, providing Spanish tactical intelligence, passing security, and experience from his time in the Bundesliga. The 32-year-old’s tackling (3.0 per 90) and interceptions (2.5 per 90) lead Elche’s midfield. His work rate (11.5 kilometres per match) and pressing intensity (11.2 pressures per 90) set Elche’s standards. Mascarell’s passing (89% completion, 4.5 progressive passes) enables Elche to build play through midfield. His partnership with José Morente provides midfield balance (Mascarell’s destruction, Morente’s creativity). Mascarell’s contract runs through 2028, with Elche viewing him as long-term midfield leader. Mascarell’s performance against Real Madrid in 2025—making 9 tackles, disrupting the midfield—demonstrated his value.
2. José Morente
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Levante B, Elche
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2022)
José Morente has become Elche’s most creative midfielder, providing Spanish dribbling, close control, and goal threat from central and wide areas. The 28-year-old’s dribbling (3.4 successful take-ons per 90) and finishing (6 goals in 2025/26) provide consistent threat. His creativity (5 assists) and set-piece delivery add value. Morente’s work rate (10.9 pressures per 90) and defensive tracking (1.6 tackles per 90) meet Elche’s demanding standards. Morente’s relationship with the club—over 100 appearances—provides emotional connection. Morente’s contract runs through 2029, with Elche rejecting January 2026 approaches.
3. Jony Álamo
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Elche B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Jony Álamo has emerged as a reliable midfield rotation option following his graduation from Elche B, providing Spanish work rate, passing, and tactical discipline. The 24-year-old’s passing (4.5 progressive passes per 90, 88% completion) and work rate (11.0 kilometres per match) provide functional depth. Álamo’s contract runs through 2029.
4. Nico Castro
Nationality: Argentine
Former Clubs: Newell’s Old Boys, Elche
Transfer Fee: £1.5 million (2025)
Nico Castro’s summer 2025 arrival from Newell’s Old Boys added Argentine creativity, dribbling, and attacking midfield depth to Elche’s squad. The 25-year-old’s dribbling (3.2 successful take-ons per 90 in limited minutes) and finishing (3 goals) provide flashes of quality. Castro’s contract runs through 2029.
5. Raúl Guti
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Real Zaragoza (loan), Elche
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Raúl Guti has provided emergency midfield depth following his arrival from Real Zaragoza, offering Spanish passing quality and experience. The 29-year-old’s contract runs through 2027.
6. Kike Pérez
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Valladolid B, Elche (loan)
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2025)
Kike Pérez’s summer 2025 arrival from Valladolid added Spanish midfield depth and tactical discipline. The 24-year-old’s contract runs through 2029.
Forwards
1. Lucas Boyé
Nationality: Argentine (Italian-born)
Former Clubs: River Plate, Newell’s Old Boys (loan), Torino, AEK Athens (loan), Granada, Elche
Transfer Fee: £5 million (2023)
Lucas Boyé has become Elche’s primary attacking weapon and focal point, the Argentine forward providing physical presence, hold-up play, and finishing that powered the club’s promotion campaign. The 29-year-old’s finishing (13 goals in 2025/26) and conversion rate (24%) provide consistent scoring threat. His hold-up play (73% success receiving back to goal) and aerial duel success (77%) occupy defenders, creating space for wingers and midfielders. Boyé’s work rate pressing centre-backs (10.9 pressures per 90) sets Elche’s defensive tone from the front. Boyé’s contract runs through 2029, with Elche rejecting January 2026 approaches. Boyé’s performance against Espanyol in 2025—scoring a hat-trick, winning 9 duels—demonstrated his clinical quality.
2. Tete Morente
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Levante B, Elche
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2020)
Tete Morente has become Elche’s most dangerous wide attacker, providing Spanish pace, dribbling, and creativity from the right flank across five seasons at the club. The 29-year-old’s dribbling (3.7 successful take-ons per 90) and finishing (7 goals in 2025/26) provide consistent threat. His creativity (5 assists) and crossing (37% accuracy) add value. Morente’s defensive work rate—tracking full-backs (1.8 tackles per 90)—suits Beccacece’s demands. Tete’s relationship with the club—over 150 appearances—provides emotional connection. Tete’s contract runs through 2029.
3. Nicolás Fernández
Nationality: Argentine (Chilean-born)
Former Clubs: Defensa y Justicia, Elche
Transfer Fee: £3 million (2025)
Nicolás Fernández’s summer 2025 arrival from Defensa y Justicia added Argentine pace, finishing, and wide attacking depth to Elche’s forward options. The 25-year-old’s finishing (6 goals in 2025/26) and dribbling (3.3 successful take-ons per 90) provide functional depth. Fernández’s contract runs through 2029.
4. Mourad El Ghezouani
Nationality: Spanish (Moroccan descent)
Former Clubs: Elche B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Mourad El Ghezouani has graduated from Elche B to forward depth following promising development. The 23-year-old’s finishing (2 goals in limited minutes) and work rate suggest potential. El Ghezouani’s contract runs through 2029.
5. Dani Plomer
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Elche B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Dani Plomer has provided emergency wide depth following development with Elche B. The 22-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
6. Ezequiel Ponce
Nationality: Argentine
Former Clubs: Newell’s Old Boys, Roma, AEK Athens (loan), Lille, Elche
Transfer Fee: Loan from AEK Athens (2025)
Ezequiel Ponce’s season-long loan from AEK Athens added Argentine striking depth and European experience to Elche’s attack. The 28-year-old’s finishing (4 goals in 2025/26 in limited minutes) provides functional depth. Ponce’s loan expires at the end of the 2025/26 season.
Conclusion
Elche’s 2025/26 squad represents the most pragmatic and financially disciplined group assembled since the club’s return to La Liga in 2020, a testament to Sebastián Beccacece’s coaching, the recruitment team’s intelligence (Gaspar, Blanco, Boyé), and the academy’s continued production (Salinas, Álamo, Badía). The defence, anchored by Pedro Bigas’s experience and Mario Gaspar’s versatility, provides platform for Elche’s low-block, counter-attacking survival system. The midfield, dominated by Omar Mascarell’s destruction and José Morente’s creativity, controls matches through disruption and occasional transition. The attack, headlined by Lucas Boyé’s Argentine physicality and Tete Morente’s wide threat, carries sufficient goal threat to secure survival. Crucially, Elche has balanced immediate competitiveness with financial sustainability; Boyé, Blanco, and Morente represent significant resale value while contributing immediately. The looming challenge involves maintaining La Liga status despite the club’s modest budget and the psychological weight of the promotion-relegation cycle. Yet the Martínez Valero’s passionate atmosphere, amplified by supporters who remember the club’s Copa del Rey final appearance in 1969 and more recent survival battles, provides emotional fuel. Elche does not hope merely to survive; they fight with everything they have, taking pride in frustrating established giants and securing improbable results. This squad appears equipped to deliver another season of top-flight football, continuing the club’s remarkable ability to bounce back from adversity. Vamos Franjiverdes.
