Valencia, even younger and inexperienced: finalizes the departure of Gabriel Paulista to Atlético and signs Peter Federico on loan

Just 24 hours before the winter transfer market closes, Valencia has completed two deals that will make their team even younger and less experienced. Center back Gabriel Paulista is in negotiations to leave Valencia for Atlético de Madrid, while winger Peter Federico González from Real Madrid Castilla will join on loan until June 30 to bolster the wing positions.

Paulista’s departure has come as a setback for coach Rubén Baraja’s plans. The Hispanic-Brazilian player is eligible for an automatic contract renewal for another season if he completes 20 league games. This would place a financial burden on the club’s budget, which has been contracting for several seasons. Club owner Peter Lim has made it clear that they need to find a solution, especially since Baraja has no intention of not playing Paulista to prevent the contract extension.

While clubs like Arabica and Besiktas had shown interest in Paulista, Atlético de Madrid accelerated the negotiations. Paulista is expected to sign a contract for this season and the next, joining Diego Simeone’s team immediately due to the departure of Söyüncü and Giménez’s injury, as the calendar gets busy with the Copa del Rey and the return of the Champions League.

Baraja is now left without one of his starting center-backs. The partnership between Paulista and Mosquera has been performing well in the absence of Diakhaby due to injury and his participation in the Africa Cup. Tárrega’s loan to Valladolid also leaves Baraja with limited options for the upcoming game against Almería.

On the other hand, Peter González, who passed his medical examination on Tuesday, could be lined up for the game against Almería. Valencia’s sports management has been tracking the young player for months in response to Baraja’s constant request to incorporate attacking players with the ability to excel.

Real Madrid welcomes the departure of González with a purchase option of two million euros for 50% of his rights. At just 21 years old and without any experience in the top division, González joins the group of young players that Baraja has to work with. In an interview, the coach described him as a hungry and ambitious player who can play on both the left and right sides of the pitch.

These transfers have been made possible due to the reduction in the salary bill from Tárrega’s departure and the sale of Koba Koindredi to Sporting Lisbon, which has brought in around three million euros in funds.

These moves come at a time when the club intends to start contract extension talks with Baraja. However, there seems to be a disconnect between the owner’s signals and the coach’s ambition to improve and grow the team each season. Baraja emphasized the need for a clear project and alignment with the owner’s ambitions in order for Valencia to compete at the highest level.