Valencia’s Struggles in Attack and Future Prospects for Improvement

Valencia CF has faced considerable challenges this season, particularly in their attacking front. The team’s offensive strategy has appeared predictable, lacking the mental agility necessary for competitive play. Last summer’s transfer market highlighted the club’s urgent need for a specific type of striker—a robust forward capable of holding the ball and enabling the midfield to join the attack. Unfortunately, this critical acquisition did not materialize. Although there were efforts to secure Umar Sadiq, these fell through, leading Valencia to opt for Lucas Beltrán, a different style of forward, as the market closed.

As a result, Valencia has struggled significantly with goal-scoring in the early part of the season, currently ranking as one of the lowest-scoring teams in the league, with only 16 goals in 17 matches.

The root of this problem lies in the management’s planning and execution. Coach Corberán had identified the need for a strong forward but had to stretch negotiations until the last moments of the transfer window. Sadiq was consistently in consideration; while not the top priority, his previous performance on loan from Real Sociedad made him a viable option. As the transfer deadline approached, Valencia attempted to negotiate for a loan, but after facing a firm rejection from Real Sociedad, they considered a transfer which ultimately did not meet financial expectations. Instead, they turned to Lucas Beltrán in the final hours of the window.

Lucas Beltrán’s case is particularly interesting. He was initially offered in the summer transfer window but was overlooked due to the pursuit of a different profile. However, as the deadline loomed and options dwindled, Valencia revisited his potential acquisition and secured a loan from Fiorentina.

Although not the ideal target forward, Beltrán arrived in Paterna with a resolve to contribute to the team. His adaptation process has been challenging, marked by several difficult months in which he struggled to find his role. Nevertheless, the Argentine remained determined. September, October, and November were particularly tough, culminating in a low point against Sevilla. However, December marked a turning point for him.

Beltrán delivered a standout performance against Atlético, scoring his first goal, and followed it up by netting in the Copa del Rey against Sporting de Gijón, showcasing a potential change in his fortunes. Yet, he does not fit the mold of the traditional ‘tank’ striker that Valencia seeks.

Valencia continues to emphasize the necessity of securing this type of forward in the upcoming winter transfer window. Sadiq remains a prime target, expressing a strong desire to join Mestalla, a move he hoped for last summer. He appreciated Valencia’s efforts to secure him and remains a favored option for Corberán due to his previous season’s performance. Now, it remains to be seen if Valencia and Real Sociedad can come to an agreement, as the conditions set by the latter in August were not met.