Levante UD president Pablo Sánchez said this Tuesday that the club must sign another central defender before the transfer window closes, calling it a necessity regardless of other business.
Sánchez told reporters that the priority was the back line, where the squad was a bit short and needed reinforcement, adding that they needed to bring in a central defender no matter what, while other positions had more room to wait and see depending on possible departures.
So far Levante UD has signed only one central defender this summer, the Algerian Aïssa Mandi, who played his first minutes for the club last weekend. Levante UD is also considering another loan move for Uruguayan defender Alan Matturro. Matturro is not in Genoa FC's plans, but the Italian club wants a financial return either from a loan fee or a transfer deal that Levante UD cannot currently afford.
Elgezabal and Edgar Alcañiz depart
Levante UD has confirmed the departure of Unai Elgezabal, who did not fit into coach Luís Castro's plans. He leaves with a year still remaining on his contract, after two seasons in Valencia. Elgezabal was a key player during the club's promotion season to Primera División, but he lost his role once the team reached the top flight and suffered a serious knee injury.
Academy product Edgar Alcañiz is also leaving. He had a contract until 2028 and spent last season on loan at FC Cartagena. The Valencia-born player is moving to Atlético de Madrid's reserve team. He had no space in Luís Castro's squad, and his exit had been decided for weeks.
Floral offering at the Basilica
Levante UD's men's and women's first teams took part in the club's traditional floral offering to the Virgen de los Desamparados on Tuesday midday. The club holds the ceremony every year as a prelude to the start of the competition.
Players and coaching staff from both teams, along with a representation of the board of directors led by president Pablo Sánchez, took part in the event, which was presided over by Levante UD chaplains José Luis Sánchez and José Gerónimo Tébar.
During the ceremony, Sánchez thanked the Mare de Déu for everything experienced during the past season, including the shared joys and the challenges that helped the club grow. Vice president Braulio Pastor asked the Virgin to keep the Levante family's enthusiasm alive and help them respond with effort and commitment to the affection the club receives every day from its fans.
