Valencia CF is entering the winter transfer market with determination, seeking to bolster its squad as it battles to remain out of the relegation zone. The team's owner, Peter Lim, and coach, Baraja, are reportedly interested in several players as they aim to turn their season around.
According to reports from Todofichajes.com, Valencia is closely monitoring Juanmi Jiménez, the Real Betis striker who has seen limited playing time this season. With Jiménez's current release clause at six million euros, Valencia may pursue either a loan or permanent acquisition to bring him onto their squad. With injuries sidelining forwards Hugo Duro and Rafa Mir, coach Baraja currently relies solely on Dani Gómez for attacking options. Jiménez's previous experience includes stints with Málaga, Real Sociedad, and Cádiz, as well as last season spent playing football in Saudi Arabia.
Coach Baraja has been under pressure, and during recent press conferences, he expressed his unwavering commitment to Valencia, insisting he does not regret his decision to manage the struggling club. "No, I do not regret it. I do not regret it; why should I regret it? I do not regret it. I want to be at Valencia now; of course, I would like to be in a different situation," Baraja stated, emphasizing his dedication to the team's future.
His determination is evident as he added, "I am putting all my energy to change this. But I do not regret it; I am on the ship, and I am the captain of the ship. If the ship sinks, the captain sinks with the ship. I will not jump off before. I do not regret it at all. I still believe in this team and think we can change the situation." These statements reflect the resolve of both the coach and the club to overcome their current challenges.
Meanwhile, Valencia is also seeking to strengthen other defensive positions. Reports from Relevo indicate negotiations for the loan of right-back Fresneda from Valladolid are well underway. Initially, he would replace Thierry Correia, who is sidelined for the remainder of the season due to injury. This move signifies Valencia’s proactive approach to addressing their squad depth.
Beyond Fresneda, there is potential interest from Valencia for young left-back Buba Sangaré from Roma. The 17-year-old talent would primarily join the Valencia youth setup, but his addition could foreshadow broader plans for squad development. His prior experience with Levante’s youth team adds to his appeal.
While these strategic player acquisitions are set against the backdrop of Valencia's current campaign, the pressure is equally mounting on the players themselves. With the team's performance fluctuated, there's no doubt the upcoming transfer market activity will be closely watched and debated among fans and analysts alike.
On the flip side of things, Valencia's growing reputation on the market cannot be overlooked, as even larger clubs like Real Madrid are eyeing talent within their ranks. Reports have noted interest from the Madrid giants concerning Valencia's promising central defender, Christian Mosquera. With injuries currently plaguing their defensive squad, Madrid is scouting for capable replacements.
Although negotiations for Mosquera may take time, the youth star is drawing attention from multiple clubs, including Atlético Madrid. The buzz surrounding him could potentially create opportunities for both clubs involved, paving the way for enhancing their respective squads.
Overall, Valencia CF's current situation sheds light on the high stakes involved as they navigate the winter transfer market. Not only are they striving to restructure and revamp their side, but they are also under immense pressure to perform as the clock ticks down on their season. With such firm intentions from the club’s upper management to bring the right talents to the squad, fans will be eager to observe how their plans materialize through these upcoming weeks.