Defender John Chetauya has been loaned from Elche CF to RCD Mallorca. The deal is a season-long loan until the end of the 2026/27 campaign and includes an option for the Balearic club to make the move permanent.

This departure comes with Elche CF in a difficult position in La Liga, sitting 19th with just one point from three games. The franjiverde side has conceded nine goals while scoring only three, leaving them with a -6 goal difference and eight points behind leaders Real Madrid. The next fixture is a home match against Real Sociedad on September 7th, a key encounter listed on our fixtures page.

What did Chetauya contribute to Elche CF?

John Chetauya joined the Ilicitano club in the 2020/21 season. During his spell, he became an important player for the defence, making over ninety official appearances in the green-and-white stripes. His contribution was significant in the promotion campaign to the Primera División for the 2024/25 season, where his consistency and solidity were valuable for the project. The club, via an official statement, wished him well: "¡Mucha suerte, John!".

How does this exit affect the current squad?

Chetauya's departure adds to other players currently unavailable. On the team's injuries list are Adam Boayar and Yago Santiago, which limits the manager's options in certain areas of the pitch. This loan forces a reshuffle in defence, a sector that has shown fragility at the start of the league campaign. The current squad, which you can view on the first-team page, must quickly find defensive stability to improve results.

What is the context of the deal?

The agreement with RCD Mallorca represents an opportunity for Chetauya to play minutes in another top-flight setting. For Elche CF, the operation frees up a squad registration spot at a time of tactical reflection after a tough start to the season. The club maintains its faith in the remaining group to turn around the situation in the standings. The transfer window closes with this move, which aims to be beneficial for all parties.

The team must now focus entirely on preparing for the match against Real Sociedad. The need for points is urgent to climb out of the relegation places and build a positive run. The work during the week will be decisive in facing this challenge with confidence.