Nicolás Valentini Close to Joining Deportivo Alavés as Left-Sided Centre-Back
Deportivo Alavés is on the verge of signing Nicolás Valentini, a 25-year-old Argentine centre-back, in a move to shore up the club’s left-sided central defence.
Deal edges toward completion
Deportivo Alavés and Fiorentina have advanced negotiations over Nicolás Valentini, with sources indicating the clubs are close to finalizing terms. The agreement, pending formalities, would bring Valentini to Vitoria on a long-term contract aimed at strengthening the team’s central defensive options.
Club officials expect the transfer to be announced within days if no last-minute issues arise, following medical checks and completion of paperwork. The move would mark the fourth confirmed summer signing for Alavés as the club continues to reshape its squad ahead of the LaLiga campaign.
Valentini’s profile and recent form
Nicolás Valentini, 25, is a left-footed centre-back known for his aerial presence and comfortable ball progression from the back. He spent last season on loan at Hellas Verona in Serie A, where he featured regularly and collected vital top-flight experience.
Prior to his spell in Italy he developed his career in Argentina with Aldosivi and Boca Juniors, earning a reputation for physicality and composure under pressure. Those attributes are viewed by Alavés as a fit for the club’s immediate defensive requirements and the coach’s tactical setup.
Why Alavés prioritized a left-sided centre-back
Alavés identified the left-sided centre-back position as a priority after pre-season assessments left the squad light on specialist options for that role. Coach Quique Sánchez Flores currently has Ville Koski available while Facundo Garcés remains unavailable as he serves a FIFA-imposed suspension.
Though the squad includes versatile defenders such as Tenaglia, Jonny Otto and Protesoni who can cover centrally, the club preferred to recruit a natural left-sided centre-back to secure balance and reduce tactical compromise. Valentini’s profile directly addresses that need, offering a specialist option rather than a makeshift solution.
Contract structure and financial context
Sources close to the negotiations say Alavés plans to offer Valentini a multi-year contract, signaling a commitment to integrate him as a long-term defensive solution. The club is using proceeds from recent outgoing transfers, including the sale of Víctor Parada, to fund incoming signings and reinforce the squad.
Valentini would join Miguel Rodríguez and other summer additions to form a refreshed defensive group, part of a targeted recruitment strategy by sporting director Sergio Fernández. While figures have not been publicly disclosed, the deal is reported to be structured to balance immediate reinforcement with the club’s financial parameters.
Sporting director’s plan and potential further moves
Sergio Fernández has indicated the door remains open for additional reinforcements in central defence if the right opportunities present themselves. The recruitment of Valentini would satisfy a major objective, but the club has not ruled out further investment should suitable players become available.
That pragmatic stance suggests Alavés aims to be responsive rather than reactive in the transfer market, adding depth selectively based on fit and value. Any further defensive signings would be weighed against squad balance, wage structure and the coaching staff’s tactical priorities.
Impact on Sánchez Flores’s options and tactical setup
The arrival of Valentini would broaden Quique Sánchez Flores’s selection options and allow greater flexibility in defensive pairings and transitions out of possession. Valentini’s left-footedness gives the coach a natural central defender for the left side, improving passing angles and ball circulation from deeper areas.
His aerial strength also offers an added asset on set pieces at both ends of the pitch, which could influence Alavés’s approach in tight fixtures. With increased competition for places, the coaching staff can rotate responsibilities without diluting the team’s defensive identity.
Timeline to completion and remaining formalities
Even with an agreement in place, the signing remains subject to standard steps: a medical examination, final contract signatures and registration with the relevant competition authorities. Club officials typically complete these administrative tasks quickly once terms are settled, barring unexpected complications.
If procedures proceed smoothly, Alavés is expected to confirm Valentini’s signing publicly in the coming days, after which the player would join training and begin integrating with teammates. The club will monitor his adaptation and fitness as preparations continue for the new season.
What Valentini brings to LaLiga ambitions
Valentini’s blend of physical presence, ball-playing ability and recent Serie A experience aligns with Alavés’s objective to be defensively resilient in a competitive LaLiga environment. His arrival could elevate the team’s baseline defensive performance and provide a platform for more controlled build-up play.
While a single signing cannot resolve every structural issue, adding a specialist left-sided centre-back is a targeted move to address a specific weakness. If Valentini settles well, he could become a foundational piece for the club’s defensive plans across the campaign.
Deportivo Alavés’s recruitment this summer reflects a focused approach to squad assembly, prioritizing defensive stability and positional clarity. The potential acquisition of Nicolás Valentini highlights the club’s intent to strengthen where it most needed reinforcement and to build a more robust spine ahead of the new season.
Valentini’s transfer, once finalized, will be assessed by supporters and analysts for its immediate effect and long-term value as Alavés prepares for competitive fixtures.
