Valencia CF identifies Andrés García as priority for right-back position

Valencia CF is actively seeking to reinforce its right-back position for the 2026/2027 season, with Aston Villa’s Andrés García emerging as the primary target. The club is reportedly in advanced negotiations for the 23-year-old Valencian-born player, who has garnered significant attention from the technical staff.

Reconstruction of the squad has been a recurring theme for Valencia CF each summer, and the right flank has been identified as an area of absolute urgency. The potential departure of Thierry Rendall, whose contract expires on June 30, and the transfer status of Dimitri Foulquier, who has one year remaining on his contract and is open to a move if his salary expectations are met, further emphasize the need for reinforcements in this position. If Foulquier is indeed transferred, Valencia would look to secure a second signing for the role.

Priority Target Identified

Andrés García, formerly of Levante UD, was first noted as a preferred target for the right defensive side by Carlos Corberán and the technical secretariat on April 18. The club’s intention is to conduct a thorough renovation of the right-back position. Foulquier’s recent physical concerns have cast doubt on his consistency, a stark contrast to the reliability he offered at the time of his contract renewal last year. However, as is often the case with Valencia under Peter Lim, the final budget will dictate the extent of these plans.

Recent reports suggest that Valencia and Aston Villa have made significant progress in discussions for the transfer of the 23-year-old player, who was born on February 7, 2003. This newspaper has confirmed that the negotiation has intensified, with Andrés García solidifying his position as the number one choice for Ron Gourlay, the CEO of Football, and the coaching staff for the right-back role.

Despite the strong focus on García, other alternatives remain active given the ongoing conversations with Aston Villa. The club recognizes García’s offensive talent, which could also see him deployed further forward in a right-midfield capacity.

Alternative Options and Financial Considerations

Should the move for García falter, Pablo Maffeo, recently relegated to the Segunda División with RCD Mallorca, remains an option the club is considering. Andrés García joined Aston Villa in January 2025 for a fee of €7 million, with potential performance-related variables and a 15% sell-on clause for Levante. Valencia’s preferred financial arrangement would be a loan deal with an option to buy. Unai Emery, Aston Villa’s manager, is reportedly more receptive to García’s departure this time, after the player accumulated only 109 minutes of official playing time during the 2025/2026 campaign, partly due to injuries that hampered his consistency.

Competition for the Signature

While Valencia appears to be leading the race, competition for García remains. In April, it was reported that Real Betis also expressed interest, having previously pursued the player a year and a half before Aston Villa secured his signature. The player himself is reportedly open to returning to LaLiga to regain the playing time that propelled his move to the Premier League during Levante’s promotion season.

Datos clave

• Jugador: Andrés García
• Club Actual: Aston Villa
• Posición: Lateral derecho
• Interés Principal: Valencia CF
• Negociación: Avanzada, con opción de préstamo con compra
• Edad: 23 años
• Club Anterior: Levante UD

This potential transfer is significant for Football Español readers as it highlights Valencia CF’s strategic moves in rebuilding their squad. The focus on a specific position like right-back indicates the club’s intent to address perceived weaknesses and build a more competitive team for the upcoming LaLiga season. The potential acquisition of a young, Valencian-born player like Andrés García could also resonate with the local fanbase.

Fuente: superdeporte.es – https://www.superdeporte.es/valencia-cf/2026/05/26/valencia-mueve-andres-garcia-reconstruir-lateral-derecho-130658220.html