Elche want to avoid another Núñez case | OneFootball

The club steps up efforts to renew the Murcian’s contract as interest in him grows

Germán Valera arrived at Elche in January 2025 and needed very little time to make his mark. His performances in the second half of the season were key to promotion, with three goals and three assists in 16 matches. The club backed his continuity and signed him on a permanent deal. Since then, his importance has only continued to grow.

In his first full season in La Liga, he featured in 36 matchdays, and now, under Anselmi, he has started the first seven. The goal against Espanyol was the latest sign of a player who has become an important piece for Elche and one of the most recognizable footballers among the fans.

A renewal Elche wants to get on track

Valera’s strong form comes at a time when the club wants to resolve his contract situation. He is under contract until June 2027, with a third season conditional, and there is also an automatic renewal clause tied to him playing in 20 matches with at least 45 minutes in each.

Elche have been negotiating with his representatives for months and have already submitted an initial proposal, as reported by Cristian Egea, a journalist at Deportes Cope Elche. While talks are ongoing, interest from other clubs is also growing. According to Matteo Moretto, the Italian sports journalist specializing in transfers, Sporting CP and Club Brugge are considering making an offer in the coming months, although there is still no formal proposal.

The Álvaro Núñez precedent

Álvaro Núñez’s case serves as a reference point for understanding why Elche want to move forward with Valera. The full-back had an automatic renewal if he reached 25 matches, but a groin injury prevented him from completing the games he needed. He ended up on 19 appearances and left for Celta in January for just over one million euros.

Valera’s situation is different, but the precedent is there. Elche have room to act and do not want his future to remain unresolved during the season. Valera is under contract, but he also has suitors and a contractual situation that could become more important as the season progresses.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.