Valencia hold talks with Thomas Meunier before World Cup but defender in no hurry | OneFootball

Valencia are in a pivotal week in their pursuit of Thomas Meunier, aiming to advance a free transfer before the World Cup or Belgium’s opener on Monday 15 June against Egypt. The club have been in contact, but the move is complicated as the Belgian is not rushing his decision.

"Ya he recibido llamadas. A día de hoy ya podría firmar con alguno de ellos. Pero esa no es mi intención", he told L'Équipe in late May. "No tengo prisa. Si las cosas salen bien, surgirán oportunidades. Tomaremos la decisión correcta."

The World Cup will be key to the market and to his next step. If Meunier impresses, more doors could open and that would complicate Valencia’s hopes. He started on the right in the final warm-up.

Belgium rounded off preparation on Saturday with a 5-0 win over Tunisia. Compared with the side that beat Croatia, Rudi García brought in Mechele for Theate, used Meunier and Castagne at full-back, and left out Raskin for Trossard on the right.

Valencia are working to sign the 34-year-old LOSC Lille defender on a free when his deal ends on 30 June. Wages and rival interest are obstacles, and the lack of European football counts against them. Alternatives include a loan move for Aston Villa right-back Andrés García, 23.

Source: Superdeporte