During his time with teams like Unión La Calera, Independiente del Valle, and Cruz Azul, Martín Anselmi was unable to have Lucas Cepeda as a player. Cepeda moved from Santiago Wanderers to Colo-Colo and, in the last winter transfer window, joined Elche CF, a club that will have Anselmi as its coach for the 2026/27 season.
Cepeda debuted professionally at Wanderers before joining Colo-Colo, where he was named the best young player of the Chilean tournament. He has also represented the senior national team of Chile. Upon signing for Elche CF, he was coming off participating in 61 official matches over the previous two seasons, scoring 13 goals and providing eight assists. During this professional period, he was under the guidance of Jorge Almirón, a former Elche CF coach, who also provided positive references to the club about the winger from Viña del Mar.
Under Eder Sarabia, Anselmi's predecessor, Lucas Cepeda played in 10 matches in the second half of the 2025/26 LaLiga EA Sports season, scoring a crucial goal that allowed Elche CF to win the derby against Valencia CF and secure three points vital for avoiding relegation.
Cepeda, who will turn 24 in October and is contracted with the franjiverde club until 2030, is expected to step up next season under a coach who knows him well, particularly his play on the right wing with his opposite foot. Furthermore, the club's investment of 1.8 million euros for 70% of his rights also represents a significant bet.
Both Cepeda and Anselmi represent firm bets for Elche CF in the upcoming campaign, one on the pitch and the other on the bench.
