Maffeo emerges as Valencia's right-back alternative

Another twist in Valencia's transfer market. Just two months after leaving Spanish football to join Olympiacos, Pablo Maffeo is on the verge of returning to LaLiga. The shift comes as negotiations for Arnau Martínez, the Girona defender who was the club's first choice, have stalled.

The Valencia board believes they cannot afford to wait any longer to reinforce a right-back position left vacant. Maffeo has become the quickest alternative, and the club is working to finalize a loan deal with an option to buy from the Greek side, according to Mundo Deportivo.

A proven performer in Spain

Maffeo left Mallorca just two months ago. Olympiacos paid around €2.5 million to secure him, but his time with the island club was highly productive: in 160 appearances, he scored 5 goals and provided 15 assists. The full-back arrived at Mallorca on loan in 2021 and the club later exercised their purchase option.

Despite this push for Maffeo, Valencia is not ruling out continuing talks with Girona over Arnau Martínez, though now with less urgency. Fulham is also monitoring the situation, with Martínez's release clause set at €8 million.