Sheffield Wednesday could be about to make their first signing after agreeing a deal for Yan Valery.
Sheffield Wednesday can bring in new players once the summer transfer opens next week, and one player who appears to be on the verge of joining is Yan Valery.
Reports have claimed that the Owls have agreed personal terms with the defender, who could reunite with Danny Rohl after previously spending time with him in the Premier League.
Standard Liege and Montpellier are also said tohold interest in Valery, but it appears that so far Wednesday are leading the race for his signature.
A deal is yet to be completed though and could still fall through before the window opens, but Rohl will be hoping to secure a deal sooner rather than later.
Yan Valery career so far
Yan Valery joined Southampton’s academy from Rennes in 2015.
He made his senior debut three years later and went onto force his way into the regular set-up, memorably scoring an ‘outstanding’ goal against Manchester United in 2019.
Valery was voted as Saints’ Young Player of the Season after making 23 appearances in his debut campaign, but things went downhill from there.
The full-back struggled for game-time in the next season, due to illness and the arrival of Kyle Walker-Peters. He was then sent out on loan to Birmingham City, making seven appearances in the Championship.
Valery only managed a further 20 league matches for Southampton before he was sold to French club Angers in 2022.
The France-born defender went onto make his senior debut for Tunisia following his exit and he has since racked up five caps.
Valery has earned a regular spot in Angers’ team as well, picking up five assists in 35 matches after they were relegated to Ligue 2, helping them to a swift return to the top flight.
What they say about Yan Valery
Mark Hughes on Yan Valery following his Premier League debut in 2018: “I have to say Yan Valery has come into the team tonight, it’s his first Premier League start, it’s his home debut, it’s against Manchester United and he’s done exceptionally well and that’s credit to him. Not a lot fazes him and he’s a good athlete as well.
“He has ticked a lot of boxes that will help him in his development and we are delighted with what he’s produced in the two games he’s played.”
Ralph Hassenhuttl on Yan Valery in 2022: “”There are arguments, definitely, but it always depends on what shape you want to play.
“A back four is a bit different. With a back five, you also have Yan Valery who has shown he can play in this position.
“He made a big mistake in the first half, but he has the quality that this mistake is not leading to a goal. In the past, perhaps a mistake has led to a goal, but it is something you need to have sometimes, some luck as a centre-back.
“He earned this chance to play because he works hard and he had a good body language last week and he was one of the players who has made a big step forward in this position and that is the reason why he got the chance to play there.”
Ralph Hassenhuttl praising Yan Valery again for playing at centre-back: ““Especially Yan Valery today as a centre-back, fantastic job.
“How he developed his game today was unbelievable for me, best player in my team I think.”
Yan Valery player profile
• Full name: Yan Valery
• Age: 25
• Height: 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
• Nationality: French
•Date of birth: February 22nd 1999
• Place of birth: Champigny-sur-Marne, France
•Position: Right-back
•Club: Angers
Yan Valery Southampton highlights
Yan Valery to Sheffield Wednesday analysis
While Pol Valentin impressed towards the end of the season, he could really benefit from some competition.
If Danny Rohl continues to play with wing-backs, then he may be eager to deploy Liam Palmer as a centre-back instead and could look to add Yan Valery to his list of options out wide.
The 25-year-old is a right-back by trade, but has also made 24 appearances from right midfield in his career, as well as another 20 games from centre-back.
Valery’s versatility could be really useful for Rohl, and with the defender’s standout season at Southampton being alongside the German coach, he could be really effective in getting him back to his best in England.
While we don’t know how much Wednesday are paying for his services, it seems like a very sensible signing for the Yorkshire outfit.
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