Independiente sells Kevin Lomónaco to Elche, wiping out two debts in one move

Independiente found a way to knock out two debts with a single blow. The sale of Kevin Lomónaco to Spain's Elche not only brings in a significant sum to Avellaneda, it also clears a pending commitment the club had been carrying for some time.

The center back, a product of Independiente's own academy, was transferred this Tuesday to the Spanish club for 80 percent of his economic rights, in a deal closed at 5.5 million dollars. Lomónaco will sign with Elche through June 2030, tying himself to the green and white club for five seasons.

That said, the full 5.5 million won't actually land in Independiente's coffers. Why not? Because Independiente still owed Elche 1.5 million dollars from Iván Marcone's transfer, and that debt was forgiven as part of the agreement. The Avellaneda club confirmed as much on its own social media. After that deduction, what actually comes in to Independiente is 4 million dollars.

And the story doesn't end there. According to ESPN journalist Renato Della Paolera, Independiente's board will use that remaining money to cover another outstanding payment: the 2.7 million dollars it owes to Brazil's Bragantino, a club that had held a percentage of Lomónaco's own rights since his arrival in Argentina. One sale, in the end, resolves two separate financial fronts in a chain reaction.

How Elche presented it

On the Spanish side, the welcome came with full honors. Elche confirmed the signing both on its website and on its official social media accounts, highlighting the Argentine defender's growth since joining Independiente in 2024, when he quickly earned a starting spot and went on to establish himself as one of the standout center backs in Argentine soccer.

Elche Club de Fútbol has reached an agreement with Club Atlético Independiente for the transfer of Kevin Lomónaco. The Argentine defender joins the green and white ranks through June 2030Official Elche statement

The Spanish club also went into detail about Lomónaco's playing traits, pointing to his competitive edge, the intensity he brings to duels, his ability to defend going forward, and his composure in possession. Speed and anticipation were two other qualities Elche singled out as assets he adds to their back line.

For Independiente, the deal carries double value: on one hand, it resolves two debts that had been weighing on the club's finances; on the other, it confirms that its youth system keeps producing talent that later translates into real income. Lomónaco, in this way, becomes the newest defensive addition for an Elche side looking to establish itself in Spain's top flight with a center back who arrives with experience and plenty of room to grow.