Valencia hunting for midfield 'rock' as Corberán eyes Ndidi and Onyeka
Los Che targeting Nigerian duo to shore up defensive midfield with Ndidi and Onyeka both on the radar as Corberán seeks urgent reinforcements.
Valencia are desperately seeking to reinforce their defensive core after shipping a relegation-worthy 31 goals in the first half of the season, with Nigerian midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka emerging as prime targets.
Defensive crisis demands urgent action
With Sadiq already through the door, Valencia’s attention has turned to their leaky defence. Conceding 31 goals in half a season is proper dog’s dinner territory - the kind of stat that gets you sent down to Segunda División faster than you can say “trouble and strife”.
New boss Corberán is after two key additions:
- A commanding central defender
- A physical, defensive midfielder to shield the back four
Nigerian duo top the wishlist
Valencia have made enquiries about Frank Onyeka, the Brentford defensive midfielder who’s been turning heads with his performances for Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations. Despite interest from other Premier League clubs, a move to Mestalla is considered a genuine possibility. Corberán is familiar with the player and has received positive scouting reports.
The other name in the frame is Wilfred Ndidi, currently at Beşiktaş. The Nigerian enforcer was previously linked with Los Che last summer before they opted for Baptiste Santamaría instead. Valencia have reportedly made fresh contact, though prising him away won’t be straightforward as the Turkish club invested significantly in him just months ago.
Santamaría’s future in doubt
Any new arrival in midfield would cast serious doubt on Baptiste Santamaría’s Valencia career. The Frenchman has struggled to make an impact and fallen completely out of favour, even in a midfield that’s been about as solid as a chocolate teapot.
According to Radio MARCA, while the club hasn’t explicitly told Santamaría and his agent to find a new team, the arrival of a defensive midfielder would almost certainly trigger his departure from Mestalla.
Corberán clearly wants to add steel to a midfield that’s been far too easy to play through this season. With relegation a genuine concern, these reinforcements can’t come soon enough for the Valencia faithful.