Valencia have completed the signing of Sporting CP full back Thierry Correia in a €15m deal, the club have confirmed.
The 20-year-old has only played seven senior matches with the Lisbon-based giants but his potential has seen Los Che agree to the deal.
Valencia’s need for a new right-back was fuelled by a long-term injury suffered by Cristiano Piccini in pre-season, and they had been linked to Napoli’s full-back Elseid Hysaj.
It is claimed that super agent Jorge Mendes has been influential in Correia – who is not his client – moving to the Mestalla, after receiving the green light from club president Peter Lim.
The report adds that Valencia see Correia as having similar attributes to their former full-back Joao Cancelo, who has since played for Juventus and Manchester City.
Hysaj’s asking price was said to be at €25m but the Portugal youth international offered greater value alongside perceived greater potential.
