De Haas spent six months preparing to fast-track Valencia adaptation | OneFootball

Justin de Haas has arrived at Valencia with a six-month head start, having plotted his move in detail and signing until 2030. According to AS, the 26-year-old set out to shorten his adaptation from day one.

He reached an agreement in January, then, with Famalicao refusing a winter switch, began preparing while finishing the season in Portugal. The plan was to ease his integration into the club, the city and the dressing room.

First came Spanish lessons. Building on his Portuguese, he aimed to arrive already understanding most of the language and has been heard chatting with team-mates, including captain Gayà, during sessions in Girona. He even tried a few words in a club video.

During March’s international break he visited Valencia with his partner and bought a home near Paterna’s training ground.

He ignored seven firm approaches between February and June. The most attractive came from Middlebrough, while two from Poland, Legia Varsovia and Jagellonia, were financially above the Valencia package. The Saudi league also made contact.

He did not contemplate breaking his word for a bigger salary, a contrast with Meunier’s recent choice. His sights were set on Mestalla, then Nou Mestalla.

With a house sorted, he arrived a couple of weeks before pre-season and before his official unveiling, training quietly at Paterna. He will debut on Saturday against Petro Luanda at 18:30. Now he has a month to convince Corberán and push for a starting centre-back berth on the opening day.

Source: AS