The future of Valencia’s Argentinian centre-back Nicolas Otamendi has been the subject of one of the longest running transfer sagas this summer.
Otamendi has been linked extensively with both Real Madrid and, to a larger degree, Manchester United. The saga took a twist recently when the Daily Mail reported that Otamendi had threatened to miss preseason training if his move to Manchester is not sorted out. With the increased speculation regarding his future at Los Che, it is becoming evident that Otamendi will do whatever necessary to force through his move.
The latest report surrounding Otamendi comes as Spanish daily newspaper AS (via Metro) had reported that his representative, Eugenio Lopez, had travelled to England in order to wrap up his transfer to Manchester United. It is clear that, as has been the way for many years, Valencia is finding it difficult to keep hold of one of its big players. In fact, if recent reports are true, then Valencia may have no choice but to bid farewell to the Argentinian.
Otamendi’s recent reported revolt comes as no real surprise. Transfer speculation lasting as long as this is bound to frustrate any player and is bound to result in said player pushing for a move. The first example that comes to mind is that of Dimitar Berbatov. During his time with Tottenham Hotspur, the Bulgarian was relentlessly linked with Manchester United. It got to the point that Berbatov was reported to have been very upset with the Spurs hierarchy. In the end, Tottenham was forced to sell him. Luckily for the North London side, it collected a cool £30 million in return.
Berbatov and Otamendi are similar as they are both acting in a very aggressive fashion to force through a move. Otamendi, who joined Valencia from Porto in the summer of 2014, is one of the most highly sought after defenders in Europe, as is made evident in the speculation regarding his future.
Valencia is now faced with a challenge to keep hold of one of its prized assets. Unfortunately, history is not in its favour as Valencia has acquired a reputation for selling some of its best players. Names such as David Villa, Juan Mata and David Silva have left the club in years gone by which makes it all the more amazing that Los Che continue to challenge for European places. However, the advantage Valencia currently has is that the ball is very much in its court. It has been very consistent in the demanding of the full £35 million which makes up Otamendi’s release clause and, despite Manchester United’s massive drawing power which has been seen in the signings of Memphis Depay, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin already this summer, Valencia has stood its ground in demanding that fee.
The most influential x-factor in this entire story is recently anointed Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos. He is another defender who has been relentlessly linked with Manchester United this summer. Madrid has been stubborn in its €90 million evaluation of the Spaniard while United have been stubborn in their declaration that Real Madrid will not get long-term target De Gea until they hand over Ramos as part of the deal. However, these events do not just influence United and Madrid but it will also be influential in the determining of the future of Otamendi. Losing Ramos will, more than likely, mean that Madrid acquires Otamendi as a replacement.
However, this scenario will only further frustrate Otamendi. The Argentinian, who already seems sick of how long the current speculation has been going on, will become increasingly disillusioned with what is going on. Otamendi is a player who, much like any other player, wants to play at the highest level and, therefore, wants a move out of Valencia as he will think that he could achieve more elsewhere. Unfortunately for the 27-year-old, what has transpired this summer has left Otamendi in an almost three-way tug-of-war between Valencia, Manchester United and Real Madrid, a situation which would leave any player a little bit annoyed.
Only time will tell what will happen with the future of Otamendi. Chances are he will be sold to Manchester United by the time the end of August rolls around, yet Valencia will not give up hope of securing keeping him at the Mestalla for the foreseeable future. Despite all of the possible outcomes this summer, both Otamendi and Valencia will want to see his future wrapped up as soon as possible.
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