Valencia eye free agent Renzo Saravia as Foulquier injury cover
Los Che looking to Argentina's Saravia as potential solution following Foulquier's knee surgery, with the 32-year-old available after leaving Atlético Mineiro
Valencia are increasingly convinced they need to dip into the free agent market for a right-back following Dimitri Foulquier’s long-term injury setback.
The Spanish side are reportedly eyeing former Atlético Mineiro defender Renzo Saravia as their top target among available players, with the 32-year-old Argentine becoming a free agent on January 31st.
Foulquier situation forces Valencia’s hand
Foulquier underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee this week after struggling with joint problems throughout the season. The club had initially hoped to avoid recruiting another right-back, banking on both Thierry Rendall’s return from a January muscle injury and Foulquier’s own recovery timeline.
However, neither scenario is panning out as Valencia had hoped, leaving them scrambling for reinforcements outside the transfer window.
Saravia’s career trajectory
Saravia, who came through Belgrano’s youth system, made his name at Racing Avellaneda before securing a €5.5 million move to Porto in 2019. His European adventure proved short-lived, however, featuring in just six matches before heading to Brazil on loan with Internacional.
His time at Internacional was marred by an anterior cruciate ligament injury that sidelined him for half a season. He subsequently moved to Botafogo on a free transfer before joining Atlético Mineiro, where he spent three seasons, racking up an impressive 129 appearances across all competitions.
Why the deal makes sense
Saravia’s stock at Mineiro reportedly fell under Jorge Sampaoli’s management last season, with the Brazilian club looking to reduce both their wage bill and the squad’s average age. The player has been exploring options primarily in Brazil, but also considering Mexico, the United States and a potential return to Argentina.
For Valencia boss Rubén Corberán, Saravia represents the most appealing option to fill the right-back position until the end of the season.
Other options limited
Another free agent on Valencia’s radar is 33-year-old Serge Aurier, the Ivory Coast international who once commanded a €25 million fee when moving from PSG to Tottenham in 2015. However, serious concerns exist about his physical condition and competitive level.
Since leaving Villarreal after the 2021-22 campaign, Aurier has struggled for consistent playing time, managing just one regular season at Nottingham Forest before a brief stint in Turkey with Galatasaray (5 appearances) and most recently playing in the Persian Gulf Pro League until January.