Valencia secure Unai Núñez loan deal to bolster depleted defence
The 28-year-old centre-back joins from Hellas Verona until the end of the season, providing much-needed cover for injury-hit Valencia ahead of Espanyol clash.
Valencia have moved quickly to address their defensive crisis by securing the loan signing of experienced centre-back Unai Núñez from Hellas Verona until the end of the season, with the player potentially available for Saturday’s clash against Espanyol.
Defensive emergency forces Valencia’s hand
The timing couldn’t be better for Los Che, who are facing something of a defensive nightmare. Carlos Corberán’s backline has been decimated by:
- Mouctar Diakhaby’s long-term absence (whose registration has been freed up)
- César Tárrega’s injury setback
- Additional defensive suspensions and fitness issues
In fact, this weekend Corberán faces the prospect of being without his entire first-choice back four of Thierry, Diakhaby, Tárrega and Gayá due to a combination of injuries and suspensions. Talk about being up against it!
Rapid integration
Núñez arrived in Valencia on Friday afternoon, flying in from Italy after the three clubs involved - Celta (his parent club), Hellas Verona and Valencia - finalised the agreement. The defender wasted no time getting down to business:
- Headed straight to Valencia’s training complex in Paterna
- Completed his medical examinations
- Met his new teammates and coach Corberán (having previously spoken by phone)
- Joined the team’s concentration at their usual hotel for new signings
Ready to hit the ground running
The 28-year-old Basque defender arrives match-fit, having featured in 18 official matches for Hellas Verona this season across Serie A and the Coppa Italia, clocking approximately 1,300 minutes of action. His desire to return to Spain was reportedly instrumental in Verona agreeing to his departure despite their own precarious sporting situation.
Núñez’s first words
Speaking to club media, the Portugalete-born centre-back expressed his enthusiasm: “I’m very happy, I was really keen for this to happen so I could be here and help my teammates and the club as much as possible.”
Núñez also mentioned his previous experiences at Mestalla as an opposition player and his excitement about now representing Valencia, describing it as “a historic club in the league, with great fans and stadium.”
The defender also referenced his relationship with fellow Basque Julen Agirrezabala in the squad, noting the goalkeeper had encouraged him to join and that he was “very happy to share a dressing room with him again.”