Valencia prioritise centre-back after Sadiq deal, Ndidi and Onyeka under consideration | OneFootball

Valencia are navigating a high-stakes winter window, with Getafe visiting on Saturday after adding three rapid signings, while the only arrival at Mestalla so far is Umar Sadiq, a scenario that has stirred concern around the club.

Sadiq has signed until June 2028, brought in to add goals, physical presence and attacking alternatives. The recruitment team are also targeting a starting centre-back and a more robust midfield profile.

Carlos Corberán’s side have lacked bite in central areas. Baptiste Santamaría has not matched expectations and has largely featured in the cup, while Pepelu has held the role well but staff want more options.

Tribuna Deportiva reports that Valencia have renewed contact for Wilfred Ndidi, a pursuit first explored last summer when Leicester pushed for a permanent sale before he joined Besiktas for about 8 million euros. The 29-year-old is at the Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria and could discuss terms after the tournament, and the report says he would be open to LaLiga, though a loan with a high option would be expensive.

Sky Sports states that Brentford’s Frank Onyeka is also under consideration, though competition from English clubs complicates a deal and midfield is not as urgent as defence.

Centre-back remains the absolute priority. Ron Gourlay has opened several avenues, including talks for Justin de Haas, the 1.94 metre left-footer at Famalicão, regarded as one of the best defenders in Portugal and approved by Corberán. With his deal expiring in five and a half months and FIFA rules allowing talks since 1 January, a demand above 2.5 or 3 million euros risks him leaving free in summer, which plays in Valencia’s favour.

Source: Superdeporte