Elche CF have secured the long-term future of academy talent Ali Houary by renewing his contract until the summer of 2030. The deal adds two years to the 21-year-old midfielder's previous terms and raises his release clause to over 15 million euros.
Club president Joaquín Buitrago announced the renewal, expressing confidence in the team's trajectory. "El equipo no va a tener problemas para ir escalando," Buitrago stated. Houary, who has represented Morocco at youth level, is considered a central part of the club's future plans.
Ali Houary is a pure product of Elche's youth system. He made his first-team debut in La Liga and, after a loan spell at Mirandés last winter for experience, returned this summer to a more prominent role. He started the first three league matches of the season and has nine senior appearances to his name, though he has been left out of the last three matchday squads.
Argentine coach Martín Anselmi gave him his first-team opportunity, trusting his abilities in midfield. This new contract shows the club's policy of retaining and developing its young talents, particularly during a challenging sporting period. Elche currently sit 18th in La Liga with 5 points from 7 games, and their next challenge is a home fixture against Celta Vigo on October 11th.
The show of faith in Houary comes as the team seeks stability following an inconsistent run of form (WLDLL in their last five), which included a significant away win at Espanyol (1-3). The club now hopes the young midfielder, with his future settled, can play a key role in their battle to avoid relegation in the seasons ahead.
More detail at Marca - Primera
Manager Martín Anselmi confirmed his confidence in Ali Houary following the contract renewal. "He is one of the best we have," the coach said about the 21-year-old academy product. Houary has started three of the first seven matchdays, playing 191 minutes. The team, sitting 18th with 5 points, will look to add points in their next match against Celta.
