Ex-Barcelona Player Set For Middlesbrough Move
Former Barcelona and Manchester United goalkeeper, Victor Valdes, is said to be travelling to Middlesbrough for a medical and discussion of personal terms.
The 34-year-old fell out with former United boss Louis Van Gaal, who sent the keeper on loan to Standard Liege – later releasing the player from the club.
Victor Valdes has a wealth of experience after spending 15 seasons with Barcelona. The Spanish shot-stopper has won 6 La Liga titles and 3 UEFA Champions League titles during his time in Spain.
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During 15 seasons at Barcelona, he played over 70 matches for the Barcelona B side, and over 500 matches for the first team. He is regarded as the best goalkeeper that Barcelona have ever had, and it is easy to see why.
Middlesbrough is a newly promoted team in the Barclays Premier League, and is looking to avoid being relegated back to the English Championship. They were promoted to the Premier Leauge after finishing as runners-up in the Championship last season.
Boro’s boss, Aitor Karanka, is looking to sign an experienced man who can help Middlesbrough challenge for a finish in the top half of the table.
News of Valdes’ move first broke out when social media users noticed that Victor Valdes has begun following the Middlesbrough Twitter account, sparking rumors of the Spanish shot stopper’s move.
Victor Valdes only managed to make two appearances during his time at Manchester United. In 2016, during his loan spell with Standard Liege, he won the 2016 Belgian Cup.
Victor Valdes move to Middlesbrough is done. Medical tomorrow. [Guillem Balague]
— José Mourinho-MUFC (@Utd_JM) July 6, 2016
Certainly, a goalkeeper with such a wealth of experience would make Middlesbrough a better squad that may surprise a few. We are not implying that they might replicate the success that Leicester City had, but they could certainly turn a few heads.
Valdes is currently 34-years-old, so it is unlikely that his performances will be anything like they were at Barcelona – but his experiences may prove crucial for the newly promoted side.