Correia is out. Does Thomas Meunier join?

Valencia CF

The future of Thierry Correia already has a destination. Just a few weeks after ending his spell at the Valencia, the Portuguese full-back has reached an agreement with the Venezia to join the Italian side, newly promoted to Serie A.

The Italian club was looking for experience to strengthen its defense and has found a market opportunity in a player who arrives without a transfer fee. The deal is already closed and it is expected that the player will travel in the coming days to formalize his signature.

Correia's exit from Valencia did not come as a surprise within the club. Valencia decided to not make a contract renewal offer and allowed his deal to run out. The decision was mainly shaped by the ongoing physical problems that have affected the Portuguese throughout much of his time at the club.

When injuries spared him, the defender showed a level capable of competing among the squad's most reliable players. However, the lack of continuity ultimately weighed in the assessment made by the sporting directors and the coaching staff led by Carlos Corberan, together with the football executive director, Ron Gourlay.

After learning he would not stay at Valencia, Correia publicly expressed his discomfort with the situation the club was going through. The Portuguese spoke about a difficult environment and pointed to the tension that has existed between the board, the fans and the squad over the past few months.

"Valencia is a very unstable club. There is a toxic atmosphere between the fans and the board", the player said at the time, comments that caused quite a stir after his departure was confirmed.

Thomas Meunier 

With the exit of Correia, the search for a right-back is already underway and one of the names that has gained momentum in recent hours is Thomas Meunier. The veteran Belgian international appears among the options being considered by Valencia's sporting leadership to reinforce a position that will face major changes this summer.

The Belgian player ends his spell at Lille and is considering several proposals to decide his next destination. At almost 35 years old, he still has market value thanks to a career that includes experiences at some of Europe's top clubs and a strong international presence with Belgium.

Last season he once again proved that he remains competitive. He played 25 matches in Ligue 1 and also took part in eight Europa League games, figures that reflect a key role within the French squad.

The plan is to bring in an experienced profile who can provide leadership both on and off the pitch. At the club they believe he could play a similar role to the one Guido Rodriguez has had in other stages of his career: a player with personality, experience and the ability to raise the group's competitiveness.

For now there is no deal fully agreed, but contacts have already taken place and Meunier's name is among the alternatives being assessed by Ron Gourlay to strengthen a position considered a priority.

Meunier has a market value of 1.5M, according to transfermarkt