Pepelu’s rollercoaster at Valencia | OneFootball

Pepelu’s Valencia journey has swung from on-field lieutenant to the fringes in his third season, with minutes shrinking since Guido Rodríguez arrived and even a one-off stint at centre-back underlining the turbulence.

As reported by AS, he joined in summer 2023 from Levante to lead Mestalla’s midfield under Rubén Baraja. In year one he was near ever present, missing only one league game through bookings, and earned a Spain debut despite Levante fans’ anger.

The following campaign he was named one of the captains and kept Baraja’s trust. Valencia faltered, he was sent off against Las Palmas and served a two-match ban. From then his role waned and, with Pipo under pressure, he started only one of the final five.

In January Carlos Corberán arrived and Pepelu started seven of 21 as the coach from Cheste secured survival, with Barrenechea and Javi Guerra ahead of him.

Last summer Besiktas bid, but Valencia refused to listen, with Corberán planning a key role. After a slow start he regained a place in the XI and hinted at first-season levels.

The winter window brought Guido Rodríguez for his position. After a short adaptation Guido became first choice, leaving Pepelu with only 16 minutes across the last seven league games and even a turn at centre-back against Elche amid injuries. He is contracted until 2028, Valencia have shown faith, yet Corberán does not appear to have him among his chosen. Seven rounds remain and relegation looms as the club prepare a summer of arrivals and departures.

Source: AS