Fear is growing in the sports city of Paterna over the possible departure of Pepelu, one of the most important players for Rubén Baraja. The concern is intensified by the rumours linking Martin Zubimendi, the Real Sociedad midfielder, with Liverpool. This is information that is reported by 'Plaza Deportiva',
If the English club manage to sign Zubimendi, Real Sociedad could look for a replacement in Pepelu, considered by Roberto Olabe, Real's sporting director, as an ideal option.
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Real Sociedad makes a move
Real Sociedad have already secured Luka Sucic as a replacement for Mikel Merino. The latter is finalising his transfer to Arsenal, but if Zubimendi also leaves, the txuri-urdin club will need to reinforce their midfield with another quality player.
Pepelu, with his defensive profile and ability to distribute the ball, fits perfectly with what Real are looking for. For Valencia coach Ruben Baraja, the possible loss of Pepelu would be a devastating blow.
The Dénia midfielder has been a key piece in their system and is the only undisputed player in the midfield, so much so that Barajas has decided to give him the captain's armband. This happened when José Luis Gayà was not on the field. The idea of losing Pepelu, especially in the final stretch of the transfer market, has generated an atmosphere of uncertainty in the club.
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Liverpool, Real Madrid and Valencia
Rumours of Liverpool's interest in Zubimendi have only increased in England. The Anfield club have not yet exercised the player's release clause, valued at 60 million euros. However, negotiations could be moving forward to reach an agreement for a lower price.
If Zubimendi accepts the offer and moves to the Premier League, the domino effect could reach Valencia, leaving Rubén Baraja's team in a very difficult situation.
Valencia is already suffering
In Paterna, the fear is not only due to the possible departure of Pepelu, but also to the lack of time to find a suitable replacement on the market. The need to sell players to solve financial problems could lead Peter Lim, Valencia's main shareholder, to approve the sale of Pepelu. This would leave the team without one of its key players at a crucial moment of the season.
