Valencia have recorded two successive top four finishes under their impressive boss Marcelino Garcia Toral and the message for the coming season is simple – more of the same please! Los Che, in their centenary year, also added the Copa del Rey title in May and want to continue to build on the momentum they have now built up.
Their success has been built on continuity and consistency, keeping and improving the same core of players within the squad and adding astutely. The club have not sought to make waves in the transfer market but unlike in recent years, they have acted astutely and shrewdly – impressively building a squad capable of challenging Spain’s elite.
This summer is no different and Valencia have looked to get their business done early to ensure that by the start of their pre-season preparations, everyone is in place who they want. Marcelino fell out with Brazilian goalkeeper Neto last season and has acted swiftly to replace him – and arguably upgrade on the former Juventus shot-stopper – by swapping him with Barcelona goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen. The Dutch international had been a regular for Ajax before his Camp Nou move three summers ago but found game-time limited as he competed against regular number one Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.
Elsewhere, the club have made their loan deal of Villarreal winger and Russian international Denis Cheryshev permanent – spending €6m rising by a further €1m in add-ons. He is not the only winger to join the Mestalla in a permanent deal, with Jason signed from city rivals Levante after his contract expired. The 24-year-old was a fixture under Paco Lopez and despite reportedly agreeing the move in February, was continually selected by his former employers.
Valencia have almost now got their complete squad and they will reportedly seek to sign Rafinha Alcantara in a permanent deal from Barcelona in the coming week. The Brazilian midfielder has suffered an injury-hit two years but he would add depth to the midfield ahead of a new season which promises to be another grueling one.
The one outstanding position where Valencia will still look to do business is in attack. They are putting on a full offensive to land Celta Vigo striker Maxi Gomez and may even include Santi Mina in the swap deal. The future of Spain international Rodrigo Moreno also remains uncertain and may prompt further action. But for Valencia, the message is not to rock the boat too much and continue on their steady ascendancy.
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