Valencia stay on the phone for De Haas, Famalicão defensive leader | OneFootball

Valencia have been in talks since November for Famalicão centre-back Justin de Haas and have taken the lead. According to Superdeporte, they hope to sign him this month, or else for 2026/27.

Recruitment leads Lisandro Isei and Hans Gillhaus targeted the 25-year-old Dutchman, also tracked by English clubs and leading Portuguese sides. Valencia’s interest forms part of a planned refresh at centre-back.

With under 10 days left in January, the club remain on the phone with the player’s camp and the Vila Nova de Famalicão club. CEO of Football Ron Gourlay will try for two centre-backs if possible, otherwise in the summer.

Seventh-placed Famalicão are resisting, and president Miguel Ribeiro does not intend to give away his defensive leader despite his deal running down. Efforts to extend his contract have not advanced, and the club kept a similar case last season.

On the pitch, the left-footed 1.94m defender was voted the league’s best in September and is widely viewed as Famalicão’s backline leader. The side have nine clean sheets, second only to Porto’s 13. After 18 rounds they have conceded 14, fewer than all but Porto, Sporting, Benfica and Gil Vicente.

De Haas completes 89 per cent of his passes and is his team’s most accurate distributor, while also posing a set-piece and aerial threat. He has even scored a direct free-kick with his left foot.

Famalicão are not under financial pressure and have scoped replacements. A Bola indicates they trust youngster Ibrahima Ba if De Haas departs in the coming days.

Source: Superdeporte