Valencia given €14m margin to sign new defender after season-ending injury to Mouctar Diakhaby

Valencia are short of centre-back options following Mouctar Diakhaby's season-ending injury against Real Madrid. The Guinean international he underwent successful surgery in his knee during the week, and will now begin a period of recovery, with a view to returning next season.

Los Che also lost Gabriel Paulista in the final days of the winter transfer window, with the Brazilian joining Atletico Madrid. As such, they only have Cristhian Mosquera, Cenk Ozkacar and Yarek Gasiorowski as recognized centre-back options, although coach Ruben Baraja has the option to add to these.

According to La Liga rules, Valencia are able to sign a replacement for Diakhaby, similar to how Barcelona did when they bought Martin Braithwaite from Leganes in 2020. Supersportthey have 14 million euros at their disposal, although the probability is that they will target a free agent.

Shkodran Mustafi, who was first at Valencia, is noted as a possible target, although it is not clear at this stage who will be targeted, if anyone at all. What is certain is that Los Che want to keep their chances of qualifying for Europe high, so some extra coverage would be very nice.