Antonio Sivera returns to Mestalla with his future and Valencia’s goalkeeping in the air | OneFootball

Antonio Sivera returns to Mestalla this weekend as an established Deportivo Alavés goalkeeper, with his future and Valencia’s plans for the position both unresolved.

The 29-year-old made his name in Valencia’s academy, featured in a UEFA Youth League run, helped Valencia Mestalla push for promotion under Curro Torres and won the European Under-19 title with Spain. Rated highly at Paterna, he left amid first-team congestion and has since become a cornerstone at Alavés.

Since departing in 2018, his visits back to Mestalla have always stirred the what-if debate. This reunion carries added intrigue because both his continuity in Vitoria and the identity of Valencia’s next No 1 are uncertain.

Alavés’s captain is under contract until summer 2027 and has yet to agree a renewal. A return to Valencia has previously been checked by finances, a scenario that could shift if Alavés wish to avoid losing him for free in about one and a half years.

Valencia’s outlook in goal is equally unclear. The option to keep Julen Agirrezabala is off the table due to a high clause and two injuries, while Stole Dimitrievski’s deal expires at year’s end. Valencia hold a unilateral option to extend, and it remains to be seen whether they trigger it, negotiate fresh terms to calm recent turbulence, or part ways.

“Someday, if the chance comes up, it would be an honour for me, but right now I am focused on Deportivo Alavés, on doing as well as possible every day. Time will tell,” he said, speaking to À Punt last summer.

Source: Superdeporte