Javier Aguirre and Braulio Vázquez make César Tárrega priority for Valencia’s defensive reset | OneFootball

With the LaLiga window shut until January, Javier Aguirre and sporting director Braulio Vázquez have prioritised centre-back César Tárrega as an internal ‘signing’ to harden Valencia’s defence. The team are among the five most-conceding sides so far.

Speaking to Tribuna Deportiva, Braulio said: "He is so responsible and such a good lad that the armband, and playing out from the back, which is not his forte, can make him worse." "In my opinion, from excess responsibility, he should not wear it."

The club have ringed this extended international break for defensive recoveries, aiming to have Mouctar Diakhaby, José Copete and Tárrega available in October. Tárrega’s return is considered most urgent, which could also free Pepelu to rebalance midfield.

While Aliou Dieng beds in, academy product Aarón Mayol is the only alternative, with a different profile, to Guido Rodríguez, who is working through a right-foot issue from a stamp in Vitoria.

After a standout loan at Valladolid, Tárrega logged 3000 minutes and two goals in 2024/25, partnering Cristhian Mosquera. He renewed despite strong Serie A interest, and Valencia rejected a Bologna offer.

The following campaign proved tougher without a ball-playing partner, and the club are supporting him and his camp to recover peak levels. His Transfermarkt value stood at 12 million in October 2025, now nine million, and after a muscle injury at the Sánchez-Pizjuán he is expected back within two weeks, either on 11 October against Racing de Santander or 17 October against Athletic Club.

Source: Superdeporte

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