Valencia must sell to compete for Jonathan Jesus | OneFootball

Valencia’s pursuit of Cruzeiro defender Jonathan Jesus is constrained by budget. The Brazilian club want 20 million euros for the 22-year-old, and Real Sociedad have moved to 15 million.

According to La Colina De Nervion, Valencia would need a major sale, a discount from Cruzeiro or an alternative payment structure to make a formal bid. Without one of those pieces, closing the gap looks unlikely.

Cruzeiro are under no pressure to sell. Jesus is tied to 30 June 2029 and has become a starter under Artur Jorge. In December 2025 the club turned down Zenit at around 8 million euros.

European interest has grown. Betis have monitored him, and Real Sociedad have taken the most concrete step, still 5 million short of Cruzeiro’s valuation.

His profile suits Valencia, 22, 1.87 metres and right-footed with upside and resale potential. Committing 15-20 million euros to a centre-back would restrict spending elsewhere.

Valencia could seek add-ons, instalments or a sell-on clause to soften the initial cost, though no talks on such terms have surfaced. Jesus previously switched from striker to centre-back at Ceará, then joined Cruzeiro in June 2024 for about eight million reais for 90 per cent of his rights on a five-year deal.

Source: La Colina De Nervion