DBasia.news – Valencia recently sold two of its players Francis Coquelin and captain Dani Parejo to La Liga rivals, Villarreal. The sales of the two key players drew harsh criticism from Valencia supporters.
The two clubs did not provide details reagrding the transfer fee, although Spanish media reports said that Villarreal would only spend a maximum of 11 million euros (around Rp.191 billion) for the two players. Coquelin and Dani Parejo each have signed a four-year contract with the club nicknamed The Yellow Submarine.
Villarreal finished fifth in La Liga last season to qualify for the Europa League and last month appointed former Arsenal coach, Unai Emery as tactician. Coquelin joined Valencia in 2018 for a fee of 14 million euros after 10 years at Arsenal, while Parejo ended his nine years with Valencia.
Perejo led Valencia to the 2019 Copa del Rey trophy, the club’s first title in 11 years. The sales of the two key players for a relatively small amount to one of Valencia’s closest rivals has sparked a new wave of criticism from supporters and former players against billionaire Singaporean club owner, Peter Lim.
Former Valencia goalkeeper, Santi Canizares has started the criticism on social media, while the support group, Salvem Nostre Valencia (Come on Save Valencia) has called for a protest on Wednesday (12/80) outside the Mestalla club stadium.
Lim, who purchased the club in 2014, made the shock decision when he dismissed coach Marcelino last year soon after he won the Copa del Rey trophy and helped the club qualify for the Champions League two seasons in succession.
Valencia’s form has fallen under coach Albert Celades, who was then dismissed in July, leaving the club to finish ninth in the league and lose a place in the European competition. Former Watford coach, Javi Gracia was appointed as the club’s newest coach at the end of last month.
Valencia also sold a potential young player, Ferran Torres, who is believed to be one of the future talents in Spanish football to Manchester City earlier this month.
Valencia valued Torres at 23 million euros or around Rp. 400 billion. Lim also received criticism from the deputy mayor of Valencia for failing to finance the unfinished construction of the Nou Mestalla stadium. Work on the stadium began in 2007, but was stopped in 2009 due to the Spanish economic crisis.