Valencia Club de Fútbol has toughened its stance regarding the future of right-back André Almeida amid interest from Celta de Vigo. According to a report from Deportes Valenciano, the club rejected a €3.5 million plus add-ons bid from Swansea City and is now demanding a higher fee if the Galician team makes a formal offer this week.
Why is Valencia CF increasing the price?
Valencia CF has no intention of facilitating André Almeida's departure to a direct rival in the fight for LaLiga survival. The club's board considers the player a valuable market asset and, after renewing his contract with a salary increase and granting him the number 10 shirt, has shifted its strategy. The current line is clear: Almeida stays at Mestalla or leaves only if his valuation, which exceeds the previously offered €3.5 million, is met. This stance comes during a summer where the club has been very active, as detailed on our current squad page.
What is André Almeida's current status?
André Almeida returned to training with the main group after three days working separately. However, manager Carlos Corberán has not selected him for the latest official matches, confirming his exclusion from immediate sporting plans. The player himself asked the club to consider offers during this summer transfer window in search of more playing time. The situation is uncomfortable for all parties, as the full-back is under contract but not in the coach's plans. The next test will be this Saturday at Mestalla, where fans will see his reaction in a league match.
What other market movements are involved?
Celta de Vigo's interest in André Almeida is conditional on their own outgoing transfers. The Galician club needs to move on players like Ilaix Moriba or Matías Vecino before formalizing an offer for Valencia's defender. To date, as confirmed by Deportes Valenciano, no official proposal has arrived from Vigo at Mestalla's offices. This stalemate occurs as Valencia CF prepares for a series of key fixtures, the full schedule of which can be seen on our fixtures page.
How does this affect Valencia's squad planning?
Valencia CF's firm stance on André Almeida reflects a tougher approach in the transfer market. The club aims to maximize the value of its assets in a complex economic context. While this situation resolves, the team must focus on the competition, where it holds a mid-table position in the LaLiga standings. Almeida's continuity or departure could free up a defensive slot allowing for new moves before the window closes, though the immediate focus remains on the pitch.
The Valencia board has made it clear there will be no discounts for a direct rival. It remains to be seen if Celta de Vigo decides to improve its initial offer and meet the financial demands of Valencia Club de Fútbol to secure the Portuguese right-back's services.
