Victor Valdes to Liverpool: Former Barcelona goalkeeper linked with free transfer

Out of contract Spaniard is available on a free

Ian Herbert
Tuesday 02 September 2014 04:06 EDT
Comments
Victor Valdes has played over 500 games for Barcelona
Victor Valdes has played over 500 games for Barcelona (GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Liverpool are likely to sign the former Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes next month, if their initial talks come to fruition.

Valdes is a free agent after his release from Barcelona this summer and thus can join outside the transfer window.

His arrival depends on how he recovers from a cruciate ligament injury he suffered in March. But if all goes well with that, he will become a part of the Liverpool squad next month, providing cover for Rodgers’ first choice in goal, Simon Mignolet. Australian Brad Jones is not currently pushing the Belgian.

Valdes had been seen as a reinforcement for French side Monaco until he sustained his injury. He may not be ready to play until December but Liverpool anticipate knowing enough about his recovery to be able to conclude a deal next month.

Liverpool’s need of a back-up goalkeeper led them to make a late move for Reading’s Alex McCarthy, though the young England player instead joined Queen’s Park Rangers for £6m.

Liverpool’s outgoings were led yesterday by Uruguayan centre-half Sebastian Coates, whose season-long loan deal to Sunderland had been in the offing for some time.

The 23-year-old joined Liverpool from Nacional in 2011. He made 24 appearances before returning to the Uruguayan club on loan last season.

Napoli did not take midfielder Lucas Leiva on loan as they had planned – dashing the Brazilian’s hopes of being reunited with former manager Rafael Benitez. Lucas is desperate for more regular first-team football.

Oussama Assaidi was hoping to secure a permanent move to Stoke City after arriving at Mark Hughes’ club for a medical according to sources last night.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in