Carlos Corberán
Madrid, Spain – December 13, 2025: League match between Atletico Madrid and Valencia CF played in Madrid. Valencia FC players during the match. EA Sports League.
Valencia are actively planning a right-back overhaul for next season, with two Aston Villa players emerging as priority targets.
After months of scouting, the message from the Mestalla is clear: Valencia want proven Premier League quality, and they see it at Aston Villa.
According to Levante EMV, Valencia boss Carlos Corberán and CEO of Football Ron Gourlay have identified Kosta Nedeljković and Andrés García as key targets.
Why Andrés García and Kosta Nedeljković appeal
García remains a priority despite resistance from Unai Emery, who blocked a January move. That decision came even though the full-back has played just 63 minutes all season.
Nedeljkovic came even closer to joining in January, only for bureaucratic issues to stop the deal happening at the last minute.
He is currently on loan at RB Leipzig but they have no plans to sign him permanenlty in the summer transfer window.
Financial obstacles complicate any deal
Valencia’s interest remains strong, but financial reality may prove decisive.
Aston Villa will demand Premier League fees and Valencia’s margin for manoeuvre is thin. Valencia’s interest remains strong, but financial reality may prove decisive.
The Aston Villa pair are not Valencia’s only right-back options.
There is also an interest in Mallorca’s Pablo Maffeo. His situation is fluid as they are currently battling relegation and his personal ties to Valencia add intrigue to the situation. But even here, money matters.
Mallorca rejected a €5.8m offer from Nottingham Forest in 2025 and, even if his price drops due to relegation, he won’t be cheap. The same can be said for the Aston Villa defenders.
Right-back uncertainty forces Valencia’s hand
One thing is clear: Valencia urgently need a new right-back. Thierry Correia’s renewal at the Mestalla is uncertain and Dimitri Foulquier is declining physically. So a reset is on the cards.
The ambition is clear. Now Valencia must find out whether their finances can match it.