Alejandro Iturbe Set for La Liga Debut as Elche Secure Young Goalkeeper

Elche have signed Alejandro Iturbe from Atlético Madrid. This gives the Spain U21 international his first chance to play in La Liga. Atlético Madrid will keep 50% of the player’s rights.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Elche now have Alejandro Iturbe from Atlético Madrid. The 21-year-old goalkeeper will play his debut season in Spain’s top division. Iturbe, who has been impressive for Spain’s U21 team, was on several clubs’ radar but chose Elche as his next step. In this deal, Atlético will retain 50% of his economic rights, showing they are invested in his future progress.

A previous report confirmed that Atlético Madrid will keep 50% of Alejandro Iturbe’s rights.

WHY THIS MOVE MATTERS

Elche signed Iturbe after finishing 2nd in the second tier of La Liga, only narrowly gaining promotio behind Levante. Their goalkeeping situation needed attention, as Elche allowed only 34 goals last season, the best defense in the 2nd division, but the stakes are higher, and the opponents are better in la Liga. Iturbe’s arrival is expected to bring new energy and youth to a team searching for stability. Atlético Madrid had rated Iturbe highly within their youth system, and keeping 50% of his rights suggests that they believe in his long-term potential.

A previous report confirmed that Atlético rated Iturbe highly within their youth system.

WHAT NEXT FOR ELCHE AND ITURBE?

Elche are preparing for the upcoming season with hopes of improving on last year’s result. Their first game is against Betis, who finished in the European spots. Last season, Elche played with teams that are far bellow’s La Liga caliber of opponents and as such will have to improve their squad, and especially their defense for this season. Meanwhile, Iturbe aims to make Elche’s starting goalkeeper spot his own, continuing his development in top-flight football, with Atlético keeping a close eye on his progress due to their retained interest in the player.