Sheffield United target Nicolas Valentini is poised to join Alaves from Fiorentina, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano on X.
Sheffield United have been linked with a move for the centre-back before the end of the transfer window as they prepare for the start of the new 2026/27 Championship season. SUFC underperformed in the last campaign and they will be eyeing a place in the play-offs at least this time around.
Valentini, 25, is under contract at Fiorentina until 2029 meaning he still has three years left to run down on his deal over in Italy. He is yet to make a competitive appearance for the Serie A side and was loaned out to Hellas Verona last year, where he played 36 times in all competitions, before returning to his parent club.
In this latest update regarding his future, reporter Romano has claimed on X that he is set to link up with Alaves in Spain instead. The Basque country-based club play their football in La Liga and they are expected to snap him up on a permanent basis.
Sheffield United face Mansfield Town away in the Carabao Cup this weekend. They then play Birmingham City at home in the league next Saturday.
Sheffield United need defensive reinforcements amid Nicolas Valentini blow
Sheffield United need to bolster their defensive department before the deadline. SUFC have cut ties with Ben Mee since the end of the last campaign, whilst Tyler Bindon went back to Nottingham Forest.
In addition, Mark McGuinness is facing an uncertain future. Therefore, the Blades could do with one or two more players in this area.
Valentini will have been seen by Wilder’s side as someone to bolster their options at the back. If he had joined, he could have partnerned up with Japhet Tanganga in the heart of the backline.
He is unlikely to break into Fiorentina’s first-team anytime soon. A change of scene to Alaves and Spain now will do him good and will be an exciting new challenge.
Nicolas Valentini stats for Hellas Verona on loan in all competitions
The Verdict: Sheffield United may have dodged Nicolas Valentini bullet
Sheffield United would have had to be patient with Valentini if they had signed him. Like any player from abroad, it can take time for them to adapt to life in England so SUFC would’ve had to take that into account.
The Boca Juniors academy graduate played plenty of matches for Hellas Verona but has found it hard to force his way into Fiorentina’s plans due to competition for places. He remains tied down for a few more years though so unless the Blades secured his services on loan, money would have been required for his services.
Enjoyed that? Add us to your Google sources
See more EFL transfer news and match reaction from The72, first, in Google Search.