The mess in the central zone of the defense makes Valencia CF attentive to the players market in that position. With Yarek on the exit ramp and with the doubt of the renewal of Mosquera, Corberán and Gourlay they probe the payroll of centrals and the name of Kurt Zouuma, French Central, free agent after ending contract with the West Ham United fifteen days ago and that he has played this last season at the Al Orobah FC of the Saudi League.
Zouuma is French with Central African origin and is 30 years old with a sports career in large clubs, mainly from the Premier League, Chelsea, Everton, Stoke City. It has been international in all the lower categories of France, with eleven participations with the absolute gala selection. Chelsea arrived in 2013/2104 when Ron Gourlay, current CEO of Valencia CF soccer, held the position of executive director of the London team.
The profile of a hierarchy footballer, forceful and experienced, meets what Corber will seek for that crucial position in the team’s spine. As Sports Cope Valencia has learned, The player sees with very good eyes the option to come to Valencia, but the problem is the same with Meriton, the footballer has told him to wait because there are several open fronts And, in that time time, it is where the player should decide because it is not the only interest he has, even from some Spanish league club.
Today, Valencia CF has six plants for four positions. Comert and Ozcayar who return after assignment and those who are looking for a way out. Tárrega pending its renovation to adjust its salary to sports performance that has accredited this last season, but a situation that takes time, there is no offer, only a first contact to show the predisposition of the club, but still, the player is clear that he wants to play in Mestalla and the club is clear that Tárrega does not touch it because he is an important soccer player for Corberán.
Zouuma playing with Chelsea against a Valencia in Champions
There are doubts about Diakhaby‘s knee. There will always be them because it was a very serious injury and, although he returned to a great level and has played a lot since his return, in Paterna they play wood.
And then there is Yarek and Mosquera. As we have yesterday in Sports Cope Valencia, the club has rejected a second offer from Feyenoord of an amount that would be around 8 million euros. But the player wants to have minutes and Valencia CF is open to negotiate an exit from the Polyinya Central of the Xúquer, in principle for a figure that approaches 12 million euros.
And Mosquera is one of the summer snakes. Waiting for the arrival of Ron Gourlay to Valencia, the club sat a couple of weeks ago with its agents to treat possible renewal, as Cope said. Contract ends in June 2026. Since then, neither offer, nor half word. The footballer wants to listen to Valencia, but Valencia does not appear and there is interest of important clubs that follow the wake of one of the players with the most international projection in his position.
With this panorama, Zouuma’s name appears as a possibility for which Valencia has been interested. In fact, it is not the first time that its name sounds in the orbit of the Valencian market. In 2017, with Marcelino on the ché bench, the possibility of a assignment from Chelsea to the Mestalla team has already sounded. Option that did not end up consuming. Now he is again in the futures folder, pending the many movements in the air in the Valencian sports planning.
Valencia CF Defensive options: A Comparative Analysis
The central defensive position is a critical area of concern for valencia CF as they head into the new season. With potential departures and contract uncertainties, the club is actively exploring options to bolster their backline. LetS break down the key players and the challenges ahead.
| Player | Position | Age | Nationality | Status | Key Considerations |
| —————- | —————– | — | ——————— | ———————————————- | ——————————————————————————————————- |
| Kurt Zouma | Central Defender | 30 | French/Central African | Free Agent | Experienced, leadership, potential wage demands, competition from other clubs. |
| Yarek | Central defender | – | – | Subject Of Exit | Wanted to have play time, and CF Valencia is open to any type of exit. |
| Mosquera | Central Defender | – | – | contract expires June 2026 | Player Wants to listen to Valencia, Club has not made any new offers to renew his contract.. |
| Diakhaby | Central Defender | – | – | Returning from Injury | Recovering from a ligament injury, recovery. |
| Comert | Central Defender | – | – | Returning from loan | Potential fit in starting XI. |
| Ozcayar | Central Defender | – | – | Returning from loan | Potential fit in starting XI. |
| Tárrega | Central Defender | – | – | Pending Renewal | Waiting for renovations, negotiations ongoing. |
Note: this table provides preliminary facts and is subject to change based on transfer developments and player performance.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Q: Who is Kurt Zouma?
A: Kurt Zouma is a 30-year-old French central defender of Central African descent. He is currently a free agent after his contract with Al Orobah FC in the Saudi League ended. He has a strong Premier League pedigree, having played for Chelsea, Everton, and Stoke City, and has been capped by the French national team.
Q: Why is Valencia CF looking at central defenders?
A: Valencia CF’s interest in central defenders stems from potential departures and uncertainties within their current defensive setup. the club is reportedly open to selling yarek, and there are questions surrounding the contract renewal of Mouctar Diakhaby, which makes a need for defensive reinforcements.
Q: What are the potential challenges of signing Zouma?
A: While Zouma brings experience and leadership qualities, his wage demands could be a sticking point. Further, Valencia CF will face competition from other clubs vying for his signature.
Q: What is the current status of Yarek and Mosquera?
A: Valencia CF has rejected offers for Yarek, but the player wants minutes. Mosquera’s contract is set to expire in June 2026; though, there has been no progress on a renewal offer.
Q: When did Ron Gourlay come to Valencia?
A: Ron Gourlay is the current CEO of Valencia CF, he held the position of executive director of Chelsea back in 2013/2014, where he met Kurt Zouma.