Valou to Getafe deal hits the skids at final hurdle
Ivorian defender's move from Villarreal B to Getafe unexpectedly stalls despite player already saying goodbyes to teammates
What looked like a done deal has suddenly gone pear-shaped as Jean Ives Valou’s transfer to Getafe hits an unexpected roadblock.
Deal on ice
The promising Ivorian centre-back, currently at Villarreal B, had reportedly already bid farewell to his submarine teammates, with everything seemingly sorted for his move to the Madrid outfit. But in classic transfer window fashion, some last-minute snags in negotiations between the clubs have put the brakes on proceedings.
While the rumour mill has been working overtime suggesting Getafe’s financial fair play situation is the culprit, MARCA understands this isn’t actually the case. Contrary to popular belief, registering the defender wouldn’t pose any problems for the club from the south of Madrid Community.
Waiting game
Sporting director Toni Muñoz isn’t twiddling his thumbs though. With a fortnight remaining in the January window, the Cordoba native continues working on potential departures that would free up additional financial headroom.
Should Muñoz succeed in shifting some deadwood, Getafe would have the wiggle room not only to potentially revive the Valou deal but also register other waiting signings like:
- Chimy Ávila
- Dani Rodríguez
Exit lounge
Yvan Neyou appears to be top of the departure list. The midfielder commands a significant chunk of the wage bill while seeing limited playing time, making him a prime candidate to seek pastures new. The player himself wouldn’t be against leaving the Azulones either.
For now, Getafe fans will have to keep their mince pies on developments as this transfer saga looks set to rumble on into the second half of the window.