Germán Valera’s rise from Valencia exit to attracting Europe’s elite | OneFootball

Germán Valera has transformed his career since leaving Valencia in February 2025, becoming a leading figure at Elche in LaLiga. According to Superdeporte, his form has drawn interest from Sevilla, Sporting of Portugal, and Stuttgart, Champions League participants this season, plus Brugge, while Elche work to renew his deal.

At Valencia he fell short of expectations, making 16 league appearances with only one start, mostly late cameos, while Rubén Baraja used him more in the Copa del Rey. A lack of minutes, and the switch from Baraja to Carlos Corberán, led him to seek a move, with Eder Sarabia opening the door at Elche.

On arrival at Martínez Valero the change was immediate. He played 16 times, starting 15, with three goals and three assists, helping secure promotion in 24/25. Elche then committed to keeping him.

He followed up with 36 top flight games, 33 starts, four goals and seven assists, cementing his place in the attack. This season he has seven appearances and one goal so far, including the third in the 1-3 win at Espanyol in Cornellà, finished at pace on the counter.

His market value has surged from about €1.5 million on Transfermarkt when he left Valencia to €6 million, a rise of €4.5 million in a year. With his contract running to 2027, he has become one of Elche’s most attractive assets amid growing continental attention.

Elche are already negotiating fresh terms. President Joaquín Buitrago has voiced optimism about an extension but accepts the club must stay within strict budget limits and cannot match certain offers, adding that players often miss Elche once they leave.

Source: Superdeporte

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”