Valladolid trial for free agent Carlos Clerc as left-back crisis continues

Former Elche defender Carlos Clerc has been handed a trial at Real Valladolid as the club seeks to address their left-back shortage following Guille Bueno’s serious injury.

January rebuild in full swing

The Pucela are closer to the relegation zone than the promotion playoffs after the first half of the LaLiga Hypermotion season, and sporting director Paulo Pezzolano isn’t hanging about. The club has already secured Norwegian talent Erlien and Sevilla’s Ramón Martínez, with Uruguayan Lucas Sanseverino reportedly on his way.

But it’s at left-back where they’re really up the creek without a paddle. Guille Bueno’s long-term injury has left Valladolid desperately short, with only Garriel available as a natural option - and even he’s been sidelined since October, though he’s recently received medical clearance.

Experienced campaigner

Clerc, 33, has been a free agent since leaving Elche nearly a year ago and brings significant experience to the table:

• 135 appearances in LaLiga EA Sports (with Espanyol, Osasuna, Levante and Elche)
• 181 matches in LaLiga Hypermotion (including stints at Sabadell and Girona)

The Barcelona-born defender struggled for playing time in the first half of the 2022/23 season, managing just two appearances before his Elche exit last January.

Trial period begins

According to MARCA, Clerc will train under manager Tevenet’s watchful eye in the coming days, with the club set to make a decision on offering him a contract before the transfer window closes.

The situation has become more pressing after Tevenet was forced to rely on academy product Hugo San for the past two matches. While the youngster has performed admirably since being integrated into first-team training during pre-season, Valladolid clearly feel they need more experienced options as they battle to climb the table.