Mikelbrencis close to PAOK, Valencia could make late move for right-back | OneFootball

William Mikelbrencis is nearing a move to PAOK, though a late intervention from Valencia could yet alter the outcome. According to Superdeporte, the Hamburg right-back is close to signing, but nothing is official and the Mestalla hierarchy still have scope to sway both player and club.

Valencia’s summer at right-back has been fraught since Thomas Meunier chose Sunderland when the club had expected him for a medical and a one-year deal with an option.

After Meunier, the next to get away was Andrés García, who would have arrived on loan. Now José Bordalás will use him at Getafe, where Valencia will face him in LaLiga.

Valencia have explored Chirino, Arnau and Ehizibue, even trawling Segunda for value, but prices are steep, including in LaLiga Hypermotion. Rival clubs are aware of the urgency with two weeks left before LaLiga kicks off and are holding firm.

While waiting, academy options have filled in. Monferrer started at right-back against Stoke City, scored an own goal yet impressed overall and appears a safer bet than the absent Foulquier. Gamón has also featured there, offering threat going forward.

Rubo Iranzo has covered the role too, although fitness issues limited his chance to convince. The homegrown pool can plug gaps, but the absence of a settled first-choice risks heaping pressure on an inexperienced player. Valencia now need to land the right profile in the coming days, a costlier deal than a month ago and with no margin for error.

Source: Superdeporte