Valencia sign free agent Renzo Saravia to plug right-back crisis
Valencia have officially confirmed the signing of Argentine right-back Renzo Saravia on a deal until the end of the season, as injury woes bite.
Valencia have moved quickly to patch up a right-back problem that’s been giving Corberán a proper headache, bringing in Argentine veteran Renzo Saravia on a short-term deal through to 30 June 2026.
The deal
Saravia, 32, arrived in Valencia on Saturday and got his medical done on Monday before putting pen to paper. He’ll wear the number 20 shirt — the same one vacated by Dimitri Foulquier, who’s currently sidelined with a left knee injury. The Argentine was a free agent after his contract at Brazilian giants Atlético Mineiro ran out, which made the financial side of things straightforward enough, even if the negotiations dragged on a bit.
The sticking point? Saravia wanted a longer deal — something beyond this summer — and he also had interest from MLS clubs sniffing around. Valencia, understandably, wanted to keep their options open and also needed to check he was actually match-fit, given he hadn’t played a game in roughly two and a half months.
Why Valencia needed him
The right-back situation at Mestalla is, to put it mildly, a bit of a nightmare right now:
- Dimitri Foulquier (32) — out injured, knee problem, contracted until 2027
- Thierry Rendall (26) — contract expires this summer, inconsistent form due to injuries, and still feeling the effects of an ACL rupture from earlier in the season
With Rendall’s fitness a constant worry and Foulquier on the treatment table, Corberán pushed the club to bring someone in — even with the transfer window shut. Valencia got the green light from ownership in Singapore to make an emergency signing, and Saravia was reportedly one of the first names on the list drawn up by Corberán and CEO Ron Gourlay.
Who is Saravia?
If you’re not overly familiar with him, here’s the quick rundown:
- Came through the academy at Belgrano in Argentina
- Had stints at Racing de Avellaneda before heading to Europe with Porto
- Despite the move to Portugal, he barely featured in the league — just six appearances across Champions League qualifying, the cup and the league cup
- Spent the bulk of his career in Brazil: Internacional de Porto Alegre, Botafogo, and most recently Atlético Mineiro
He’s not exactly a La Liga household name, but he’s experienced and knows how to handle himself. The lad’s been around the block.
What he said
Saravia wasn’t hiding his ambitions before his medical, saying he wants to “demonstrate my football and try to stay longer” — which is fair enough, innit. Four months to prove yourself, simple as.
Whether Valencia fancy keeping him beyond the summer remains to be seen, but for now they’ve got cover at right-back, and that’s what matters most.