Mendoza could have joined Valencia for two million euros | OneFootball

Rodrigo Mendoza will start for Atlético at Mestalla this afternoon under Simeone, yet his route could have taken him to Valencia last summer.

According to AS, Valencia had mapped out a move worth about two million euros, dependent on selling Almeida to Trabzonspor in Türkiye, but the plan never advanced. They viewed the Elche midfielder as a high-upside signing at low cost.

At that stage Mendoza had not renewed and his deal with Elche ran to June 2026, giving the player leverage. He knew that without a June renewal he could depart for free a few months later.

Valencia ultimately held back because Almeida did not complete his switch, so the operation stayed on the drawing board. Elche president Christian Bragarnik then moved quickly, pressing for an extension before the Liga opener against Betis, where Mendoza played all 90 minutes.

The agreement, initially reached in principle, was made official after that match, securing Elche a far larger sale than Valencia’s proposal with the Under-20 World Cup approaching.

Mendoza later joined Atlético in January for close to €12 million and has been learning under Simeone since, trying to seize his chances. The coach has rotated in recent Liga fixtures, offering the midfielder minutes to impress.

Source: AS