Austrian defender David Affengruber has officially left Elche CF to sign for Premier League side Fulham. The Spanish club will receive a fee of around 12 million euros for the 25-year-old centre-back, as confirmed by Marca on Wednesday. This departure comes with Elche sitting 19th in La Liga, having taken just one point from three games with a -6 goal difference, eight points behind leaders Barcelona.
Affengruber joined Elche CF from the second division two seasons ago and quickly became a defensive pillar. His contribution was key to achieving promotion to LaLiga EA Sports and, later, to securing top-flight survival during the 2025/26 campaign. The player leaves a significant gap in the backline just before the next league fixture, a home match against Real Sociedad on September 7th.
What does this sale mean for the club's finances?
The Affengruber operation represents a major financial boost for Elche CF's coffers. The approximately 12 million euros obtained marks one of the most lucrative transfers for the club in recent years. These funds could be used to strengthen a squad that, according to current data, has conceded nine goals in just three matches. The sporting directorate now faces the task of finding a reliable replacement for the heart of the defence, an urgent need reflected in the current standings.
What legacy does Affengruber leave at Martínez Valero?
David Affengruber leaves Martínez Valero after 24 months during which he earned a starting spot and the respect of the fans. His tenure was characterised by solidity, commitment, and a decisive contribution to the club's two most recent major objectives: promotion and survival. His departure closes a successful chapter for the player, who now takes on the challenge of the Premier League. Fans can review his complete trajectory and statistics in the team's stats section.
Who can fill his position in defence?
Affengruber's exit forces the coaching staff to reconfigure the defensive line immediately. With a record of three goals scored and nine conceded, defensive solidity is the primary issue to address. The next match against 13th-placed Real Sociedad will test this new era without the Austrian. Planning for this fixture and those ahead is already underway, and supporters can check the full schedule on our fixtures page. Signing a new centre-back appears to be the absolute priority for Elche CF's offices before the transfer window closes.
The team now focuses on preparations to host Real Sociedad this Monday, September 7th, at the Martínez Valero Stadium.
