Wrexham fans only caught a glimpse of Xavi Valero, but the Spaniard has carved out an impressive coaching career after his time in North Wales.
Wrexham have just brought in a new goalkeeper, as Phil Parkinson landed his second signing of the summer on Tuesday.
Danny Ward completed a move to Wrexham, signing a two-year deal to return to his hometown club after 10 years away.
Leicester City released Ward this summer, paving the way for the 32-year-old to make his move to Wrexham.
Ward is a boyhood Wrexham fan who has now made an emotional return to the STōK Cae Ras, more than a decade since leaving for Liverpool.
Ward may have been on the terraces when fellow goalkeeper Xavi Valero passed through Wrexham, albeit only briefly.
West Ham United goalkeeping coach Xavi Valero
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
Former Wrexham goalkeeper Xavi Valero lands Liverpool job
Wrexham fans would be forgiven for not entirely remembering Valero’s time with the club.
The Spanish stopper joined Wrexham from Real Murcia in 2005, penning a short-term deal under Denis Smith.
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Valero featured in just four Wrexham games, turning out against Peterborough United, Tranmere Rovers, and Chesterfield, while featuring against Haverfordwest in an FAW Premier Cup match.
Valero returned to Spain with Recreativo de Huelva and Gramenet, ultimately going down as a Wrexham player whom some fans may not even remember.
Now 52, Valero has carved out a brilliant coaching career with Valencia and then Liverpool, following Rafael Benitez to Merseyside.
Valero joined Benitez at Inter Milan, Napoli and Real Madrid, before linking up with Manuel Pellegrini at West Ham United.
Valero stayed with West Ham upon Graham Potter’s appointment earlier in 2025, but departed the Hammers at the end of the season.
The Spaniard has now secured a huge move, having been confirmed as part of Arne Slot’s coaching staff at Liverpool.
Valero has become Liverpool’s head of first-team goalkeeper coaching, returning to Anfield as Fabian Otte and Claudio Taffarel move on.
Xavi Valero to play key role in Liverpool title defence
Valero will now be the man charged with the task of coaching arguably the world’s top goalkeeper in Alisson.
Liverpool are bidding to retain the Premier League title, and Alisson’s performances will be key to those hopes.
Two new goalkeepers are heading to Anfield this summer, with Giorgi Mamardashvili and Freddie Woodman on board.
Mamardashvili signed last summer but spent the season back on loan at Valencia, while Woodman has just signed from Preston North End.
Valero will hope to play a key role in another successful Liverpool season and add more success to an impressive coaching career.
Valero’s career at Wrexham was over before it ever really began, but he continues to make a huge impact on the game as a coach.