Valencia Club de Fútbol loses Van Oevelen option and searches for alternatives
Valencia Club de Fútbol has lost the chance to sign Dutch goalkeeper Kaijne van Oevelen, who officially joined Ipswich Town in the Premier League. The 22-year-old, who had verbally agreed to a five-year deal with Valencia, ultimately chose the English side, closing a path the club had been exploring for weeks. With 9th place in La Liga (49 points, 13W-10D-15L) and a goal difference of -9 (46 scored, 55 conceded), Carlos Corberán’s team urgently needs a goalkeeper to compete with Dimitrievski and Cristian Rivero.
What happened with Van Oevelen’s negotiation?
Valencia had shown strong interest in the 6’6” (1.99m) keeper, impressed by his performance in the Eredivisie despite Volendam’s relegation. According to De Telegraaf and confirmed by MARCA, the club had already agreed on a deal with the player until 2031. However, after losing out on Meunier (who signed for Sunderland), Valencia shifted focus to the right-back position, pausing their pursuit of a goalkeeper.
Why did Van Oevelen choose Ipswich Town?
The goalkeeper explained his decision: “As soon as I knew Ipswich was interested, I knew it was a step I wanted to take. I’m excited to learn at such a big club.” The appeal of the Premier League and the project of the newly promoted side outweighed Valencia’s offer.
What’s next for Valencia in the goalkeeping market?
With this failed deal, Valencia reopens its search for a goalkeeper. Dimitrievski remains the first-choice, while Rivero is third in line but could leave for more playing time. The team, 45 points behind league leaders Barcelona, needs to strengthen its goalkeeping to improve its recent form (WWDWL) and reduce goals conceded.
