Key Players in the Valencian Derby: Danjuma and Etta Eyong

omidbasir- The focus of the Valencian derby will be on two strikers who could have participated in this year’s Champions League but were released by Villarreal. Under Marcelino’s guidance, the team opted not to retain Danjuma and Etta Eyong this season. Interestingly, both players found new homes within the Comunidad, with Danjuma joining Valencia on a free transfer and Eyong moving to Levante in a deal that still involves Villarreal.

Since their arrivals, both have played crucial roles in their teams’ attacks. Danjuma has scored three goals and provided one assist, while the Cameroonian forward at Levante has netted six goals and contributed three assists, becoming the main offensive threat for Calero’s side. Clearly, they will be the key figures in this derby as both teams strive to move away from the lower echelons of the league table, where they have languished since the season began.

The circumstances of their departures from Villarreal present contrasting narratives. In Danjuma’s case, Villarreal faced an ongoing dilemma; despite multiple loan spells, he struggled to find a permanent place in the squad. Ultimately, a mutually agreed exit at no cost was pursued to mitigate further complications. This transfer, first reported by MARCA, was welcomed at Mestalla. Conversely, Eyong’s situation differed significantly. He excelled with Villarreal’s B team last season and made a notable impression during his debut with the first team while the transfer window was still open. However, Marcelino had already secured Tani and opted to let Eyong go for a relatively low fee while retaining some control over a future transfer.