Image source: caughtoffside.com
Guido Rodríguez said he was “very happy” after arriving in Spain to complete a move from West Ham to Valencia. The 31-year-old midfielder, who joined the Hammers last summer, is set to sign a short-term agreement to the end of the season. Valencia negotiated with West Ham for weeks in January to secure the Argentine as part of their squad changes.
Guido Rodríguez says he is “very happy” as Valencia move nears completion
West Ham United midfielder Guido Rodríguez has arrived in Spain to complete a transfer to Valencia and said he is excited about the switch. The 31-year-old joined West Ham last summer but is now set to finalise a short-term deal that will keep him at Mestalla until the end of the season. Valencia had been in negotiations with West Ham for several weeks to land him during the January window.
Rodríguez confirmed his feelings on arrival in comments to El Chiringuito TV, as reported by Inside Futbol. “I am very happy. Valencia is a very big club. I spoke with (Carlos) Corberan,” Rodríguez said. The Argentine is expected to link up with Corberan as Valencia look for stability, with the club described as being in desperate need of it.
The report said Valencia are locked in a relegation battle, sitting four points above 18th-placed Alavés and having managed five wins in 21 league matches. It added that creativity and midfield balance have been lacking during the campaign, with Rodríguez expected to play an important role in strengthening the middle of the team as the club aims to improve its results.
For West Ham, Rodríguez’s exit is described as creating squad space and reducing the wage bill, allowing room for targeted reinforcements. The club have been active in January, bringing in Pablo and Taty Castellanos to bolster their attack. The report also said the Hammers are looking for more additions and that moving fringe players on has become essential to their strategy.
Rodríguez had also attracted interest elsewhere, with Grêmio making enquiries and reports in Italy suggesting Juventus were considering a loan proposal. However, the report said Valencia moved decisively and satisfied both West Ham and the player to secure the deal, placing Rodríguez at the centre of what it called Valencia’s survival mission for the rest of the season.
