Valencia CF Unveils New Sports Structure with Focus on South American Talent

Valencia CF has officially announced its revamped sports structure, a move spearheaded by CEO Ron Gourlay, who has been notably engaged in this initiative. With the transfer market opening in a month, Gourlay has executed his definitive plan following a recent trip to Singapore. He has assembled a team comprised of familiar faces, including Hans Gillhaus and Lisando Isei, and introduced Andrés Zamora, a lesser-known but pivotal figure tasked with revitalizing Valencia’s presence in the overlooked South American market.

Gourlay’s previous collaborations with Gillhaus in England and Isei in Arabia have fostered a strong working relationship. Meanwhile, Zamora, despite lacking a direct connection to Gourlay, is recognized for his data-driven approach to talent identification. Recently departing from Olympique de Marseille, Zamora communicated his transition to Valencia to his superior, marking a significant shift in his career.

South America is essential for advancing in football, yet Valencia has not specialized in this region for years. The club has notably lost its foothold in talent-rich countries such as Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay. A restrictive sporting policy, characterized by budget cuts across various departments, has limited the club’s ability to effectively scout players. While there were some scouting trips made by former sporting director Corona to youth tournaments, these efforts were minimal.

Engagement in the South American market is a fundamental requirement for Valencia to attract U-23 footballers, a key focus for the club. In a financially challenging landscape where competing for signings against giants like Bayern, City, Chelsea, or Juventus is tough, Valencia must emphasize acquiring young talents who are yet to reach their full potential. These players often fall into a niche that larger clubs may overlook, allowing Valencia to secure promising talents before they become sought after.

While the market for lesser-known South American players has seen a rise in costs over the past two decades, it remains a feasible option for Valencia due to comparatively lower transfer fees and player wages than those in Europe. This principle is central to Gourlay’s approach in the new sports direction: to discover talent, nurture it, and effectively negotiate acquisitions, banking on their potential for success in European football.

Andrés Zamora Pattachiola is set to lead this significant challenge, stepping out of his previous comfort zone to focus on the South American market. He is already aware of the expectations surrounding his role at Valencia, having experienced the pressures that come with it since day one, which starkly contrasts with his former position.