Valencia ‘to drop’ Aliou Dieng move as Corberán prioritises Guido Rodríguez | OneFootball

According to Deportes Cope Valencia, Valencia will not sign Aliou Dieng, a decision taken in recent days as Carlos Corberán prioritises Guido Rodríguez for the pivot role next season.

The 28-year-old Mali international is out of contract at Al-Ahly SC and would have joined on a free. There had been a pre-agreement and the move was first weighed for January, then deferred to the summer.

Unlike Dutch centre-back Justin de Haas, already tied down until 2030, Dieng's move will not happen. The club exercised a built-in option to walk away after recent planning meetings.

CEO of Football Ron Gourlay said last month that De Haas was done but Dieng was not, and the latter deal cooled before being dropped, underlining the head coach's sway on recruitment.

Corberán pushed in January for Guido Rodríguez. The Argentina midfielder arrived from West Ham United on a contract to 30 June, when he will be a free agent.

Guido has impressed, adding balance and leadership at the base of midfield. Valencia are discussing a longer agreement, viewing the 31-year-old as a strong fit.

They are also assessing alternatives and need cover with Baptiste Santamaría out of the plans. Talks are complicated by the player's wage after leaving Betis for the Premier League in 2024, though the club hopes goodwill and his spell in València and at Mestalla will help.

Source: Superdeporte