Veteran Frenchman Valbuena set to join Olympiacos

Olympiacos are set to secure the signature of talented winger Mathieu Valbuena, with the club confirming their interest in the former French international.

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Valbuena, 34, has been playing his football with Fenerbahce since 2017. However, with his contract expiring this summer, Olympiacos have made a move for the gifted Frenchman who is capable of playing either as a winger or an attacking midfielder. According to reports, Olympiacos have now come to terms with Valbuena.

Olympiacos president Giannis Moralis confirmed the organisation’s interest with this following statement to the media: “We must sign the contract. He is an important player with experience and personality. Transfers always have obstacles, but we need to overcome them.”

Club owner Evangelos Marinakis hinted that a deal with Valbuena is imminent: “You will see when the time comes to announce the transfer. As you said, he is a very good player.”

Valbuena allegedly turned down contract proposals exceeding three million euros per-year from Saudi Arabia, France and Fenerbahce in favour of Olympiacos.

To10.gr subsequently reported that Valbuena will travel to Athens on Sunday in order to sign his Olympiacos contract.

Despite already being in his mid-30s, the diminutive Valbuena is still capable of providing the creative spark on the pitch, scoring three goals and dishing out seven assists in 22 Super Lig appearances with Fenerbahce this season. He also scored one goal and made one assist in the UEFA Europa League group stage.

Asides from Fenerbahce, Valbuena has previously been on the books of Olympique Lyonnais, Dynamo Moscow, Marseille, FC Libourne, Langon FC and Bordeaux. He shot to fame between 2006 and 2014 when playing for Marseille. Valbuena also played in 52 matches for the senior French national team, registering eight goals.

Transfermarkt now rates his value at 1.5 million.

FORTOUNIS BID REJECTED

In other news, Olympiacos rejected a bid of 10 million from West Ham United for star midfielder Kostas Fortounis, with the Erythrolefki still waiting to sign a new contract with the 26-year-old. Olympiacos have already received several proposals for Fortounis from English, Russian, Turkish and German clubs.

It’s still expected that Fortounis will renew his Olympiacos contract which is currently due to expire in 2020. Olympiacos would reportedly be willing to listen to offers for Fortounis which exceed 15 million.

Fortounis scored 17 goals and made 16 assists across all competitions in 43 matches in the 2018/2019 campaign.

Image Source: to10.gr

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