Valencia Club de Fútbol has confirmed that Stole Dimitrievski will start the 2026/27 season as the first‑choice goalkeeper, while the club searches for a backup and positions Raúl Jiménez as the third‑choice option.

What changes are there in the goalkeeping department?

The basic plan remains unchanged: 27‑year‑old Dimitrievski will begin as number one. The sporting director team, headed by Ron Gourlay and Lisandro Isei, continues to look for a second keeper who can directly challenge him. The novelty arrives in the third spot: Cristian Rivero has been told to find a new destination and the strongest candidate now is Raúl Jiménez, a sub‑20 international.

Why is Raúl Jiménez preferred?

Valencia CF’s academy has blind faith in Jiménez’s potential; he was born in Catral (Alicante). The club wants him to play regularly for VCF Mestalla and, when needed, reinforce the first team. According to the newspaper, the plan includes Jiménez starting for Óscar Sánchez’s reserve side and, if schedules allow, alternating between Mestalla and the senior bench.

What about Vicent Abril?

Vicent Abril, another academy talent, will be loaned to a club above the Segunda RFEF to gain experience. Meanwhile, Jiménez, who only featured in ten Segunda Federación matches and three Premier League International Cup games, is recovering from a minor muscle tear and is ready to fight for the third‑keeper role.

What are the squad’s priorities?

Ron Gourlay, Lisandro Isei and manager Carlos Corberán have made it clear that limited resources will not be spent on signing two goalkeepers. The urgent needs lie elsewhere: two right‑backs, a centre‑back, a winger and a mobile striker to boost goal output. Therefore, the club seeks a single backup keeper who can replace Dimitrievski in case of injury or in the Copa del Rey.

What’s next for the goalkeeping area?

Without a definitive signing yet, Valencia Club de Fútbol keeps Dimitrievski as the defensive cornerstone and Jiménez as a possible emergency solution. The club will keep evaluating experienced goalkeeper offers over the summer, while Jiménez consolidates his place at Mestalla and awaits a chance with the senior squad.