Valencia CF: Braulio seeks goals, eyes two former Sevilla forwards | OneFootball

Valencia CF are scouring the free-agent market for a striker after a blunt start under returning sporting director Braulio Vázquez. According to La Colina De Nervion, Joselu, Karl Toko Ekambi, Anthony Martial and Luuk de Jong have been linked, with Joselu the name carrying the most weight.

Braulio officially returned to Mestalla on 13 September, resuming a post he held from 2010 to 2013 after nine seasons leading CA Osasuna. With the summer window closed, unattached players are the quickest route to bolster the attack.

Valencia failed to score against Celta, Betis, Barcelona and Sevilla FC in the league. They struck once apiece versus Deportivo and Alavés, then a 2-3 defeat to Real Sociedad on 20 September lifted their tally to four goals in seven matches. Before that, it was just two in six.

The issue is compounded by Sadiq Umar’s absence. The club confirmed on the first of September a right hamstring injury sustained against Deportivo de La Coruña, without specifying a recovery timeframe.

Joselu Mato, 36, is a free agent after leaving Al-Gharafa and could arrive without a transfer fee. Martial’s brief 2021/22 loan at Sevilla FC was hampered by fitness problems, while De Jong’s spell from 2019 to 2021 included two headed goals in the 2020 Europa League final against Inter Milan, earning player of the match in a 3-2 win.

Valencia have not announced contacts or agreements with any of the four. For now, Joselu fronts a provisional shortlist that also includes Toko Ekambi, Martial and De Jong, with free agency allowing immediate action ahead of January.

Source: La Colina De Nervion

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