De Haas opens Valencia's defensive rebuild

The move comes at a time of heavy work for the sporting directorate. On July 1, up to eight players have left the Valencia CF after their contracts expired, including loan spells that have ended and ties that are not being renewed. The situation leaves several roles to be filled in a squad that Carlos Corberán needs to fine-tune ahead of the new season.

Against that backdrop, De Haas appears as the first confirmed signing by the Valencia outfit. The club made the agreement official this Wednesday with the defender from the Netherlands, who is expected to play a key role in the reorganisation of the back line.

The centre-back is part of an initial batch of arrivals in which Dieng and Sato also feature, although the Dutchman was the first to be announced. His arrival responds to the need to rebuild a defence with major changes, while the market could still bring further movement, including the case of Guido, who still has options to continue.

Official statement

Valencia CF has reached an agreement for the signing of Justin de Haas until 2030.

The central defender from the Netherlands (Zaandam, 1/2/2000) signs for the next four seasons after ending his contract with FC Famalicão, the club where he has established himself as one of the most important players in his position in the Portuguese Liga since joining in 2023.

At 26 years old, Justin de Haas stands out for his ability to start play from the left side of the back line, as well as his effectiveness in defensive actions. His physical presence (1.94 metres tall) and his good ball control make him a modern centre-back capable of bringing reliability, solidity, balance and progression to Valencia CF's defensive line.

In the 25-26 season, in which the Portuguese side finished the campaign in fifth place, De Haas was an indispensable piece for his coach. The Dutchman played 33 matches, all of them as a starter, completing the full 90 minutes, and scoring 6 goals, figures that also reflect his influence in the opposition's area.

International at Under-16, Under-17 and Under-18 level with the Netherlands during his development years, the new Valencia CF player was part of the youth set-ups of clubs such as AZ Alkmaar, PSV Eindhoven and Dinamo Zagreb before making the leap to professional football in Croatia with the NK Lokomotiva Zagreb.

OFFICIAL STATEMENT | JUSTIN DE HAAS#BenvingutDeHaas#ADNVCF

— Valencia CF (@valenciacf) July 1, 2026