Change between the posts at Valencia CF: the goalkeeper position up in the air for next season

Valencia CF

The end of the season for Valencia CF has left a quite familiar taste from recent years, unfortunately. A team that spent most of the campaign in no man's land or even near the relegation zone, but in the final stretch looked toward something more ambitious, motivated, yes, by the few points gained in the middle of the table. That ninth place falls short of Europe, although for a few days the Conference League scenario was on the table. In the end, that ticket was taken by Getafe CF, and at Mestalla thoughts are focused more on summer than on what slipped away.

111

Dimitrievski
1.140.000€    -

J1

PT

05

The first focus is on Stole Dimitrievski. The Macedonian goalkeeper has ended up earning his spot in the decisive phase, just when it seemed the season would be more divided between keepers. His contract ends in a little over a month and the renewal is not finalized. Valencia wants him to stay, but the negotiation isn't easy because strong suitors have appeared. One of them is Olympique de Marseille, which is looking for a goalkeeper given the possible departure of Gerónimo Rulli. The idea of playing in European competition weighs heavily, and at this point in the market, that is usually decisive.

But at the same time, another piece is moving at Mestalla that shifts the panorama considerably.

232

Aarón Escandell
2.270.000€    -

J1

PT

210

According to circulating reports, Valencia has quite advanced the return of Aaron Escandell. The goalkeeper, currently at Real Oviedo, comes from a season marked by the team’s relegation, although his contractual situation is not as simple as it seems: he renewed until 2027, but the club would facilitate his exit to make it possible. Within the player’s environment, the idea of returning to Valencia is not new, and he himself has dropped hints several times about his connection with the club where he was formed.

Escandell stated, when he learned of Valencia’s interest: "I have always wanted to return to Valencia," "I like watching Valencia. I have a special feeling because I came out of their academy and as a true Valencianista you always wish them the best".

Escandell would arrive in an interesting context: he would compete for the spot from day one. The plan is for him to take on an important role after the departure of Julen Agirrezabala, who will return to Athletic Club when his loan ends. That is, Valencia would move from a situation with a fairly defined goalkeeper to one with real competition for the starting spot.

The summer points to a serious change between the posts. Dimitrievski trying to renew while receiving offers, Escandell approaching as a possible return, and a true competitive gap in goal. It’s not just a signing or a renewal; it’s a complete readjustment in the goalkeeper position.

The final result could leave a Valencia goalkeeper position quite different from the one that closed the season, with more competition and, above all, without a clear owner from the first day of preseason.