Valencia’s Struggles and Transfer Strategies: The Quest for a Striker

Valencia CF has endured a challenging period, characterized by a lack of offensive creativity and predictability in their attack. One of the main issues has been the failure to secure a specific type of striker during the previous summer transfer window. The team was in search of a tall forward capable of holding up the ball to facilitate support from midfield, a strategy known colloquially as stretching the team’s play, which they were unable to implement.

The club made attempts to sign Umar Sadiq but was ultimately unable to finalize the deal. As the transfer window drew to a close, they opted for a different profile, signing Lucas Beltrán instead.

This season, Valencia’s struggles have been evident, as they find themselves among the lowest scorers in the league, currently ranking as the sixth least prolific offense with only 16 goals in 17 matches.

The root of these issues lies in the management and planning of the squad. Coach Corberán had expressed a desire for a designated striker, yet negotiations extended into the final moments of the transfer window. While Sadiq was not initially the top priority, he remained a viable option due to his performance on loan at Real Sociedad during the previous season.

In the eleventh hour, Valencia revisited the possibility of acquiring Sadiq, first considering a loan before facing a firm denial from Real Sociedad. Although a transfer was contemplated, financial constraints hindered the deal, leading the club to pursue other options and ultimately acquire Lucas Beltrán in the final stretch of the window.

Beltrán’s case is particularly interesting as he was among the players initially offered during the summer window. However, he was set aside in favor of other profiles. As the deadline loomed and the prospect of securing a preferred striker faded, the club chose to revive interest in Beltrán, successfully negotiating a loan from Fiorentina.

Despite Beltrán not fitting the specific type of striker desired, he arrived at the training ground in Paterna on September 2, eager to contribute. Nevertheless, his adaptation to the team has been challenging, with several months of struggle to find his place. Nonetheless, Beltrán has shown resilience and determination, culminating in a breakthrough during December.

He delivered his best performance against Atlético, scoring his first goal, and followed up with a noteworthy display in the Copa del Rey against Sporting de Gijón. His fortunes appear to have shifted, though he does not embody the traditional ‘tank’ striker profile.

As they move into the winter transfer market, Valencia remains committed to acquiring the type of forward they currently lack. Sadiq is once again on their radar, as the 28-year-old striker expressed a strong desire to join Mestalla, having considered it a priority last summer. He appreciated Valencia’s efforts to sign him permanently, even as the previous transfer window closed.

Now, the challenge lies in negotiating terms that are acceptable to both Valencia and Real Sociedad, as the latter’s stringent conditions were not met in August.