Valencia sign Helguera

[BlackNess]

elguera's Valencia Switch All But Confirmed

Ivan Helguera is rapidly slipping down the pecking order at the Bernabeu and seems to be on his way out of Madrid. Valencia are allegedly close to landing the player; even if that's not yet confirmed, Madrid supremo Ramon Calderon has insisted that Helguera will part from the Madrid side on good terms...


While no move has yet been announced by either club, some local reports in Spain suggest that Ivan Helguera has been allowed to leave the Bernabeu on a free transfer to Valencia.

Real Madid president Ramon Calderon confirmed to AS that the player wanted to leave, saying:

"It looks like he wants to leave and we are speaking to him. We have four centre-backs this year and he understands that he needs to seek a future elsewhere.

"But I would like to thank him for everything he has done for Madrid. He was in a sticky situation last year and ended up playing almost 30 games. He really gave us a lot."

Indeed, the arrival of Pepe and Metzelder puts even more pressure on an already-burgeoning back line, with the likes of Cicinho Torres, Sergio Ramos and Cannavaro still at the club.

With Schuster allegedly seeing Helguera as one of the weakest of the bunch, the defender has wasted little time in seeking first team football elsewhere, with Valencia leading the chase

Some local reporters claim that a move has already been completed, but Los Che are yet to confirm his capture. If he does make it there, he'll join former Getafe man Alexis as the second central defender of the summer to arrive at the Mestalla, replacing the departed Roberto Ayala.

Overall, Helguera played over 250 games for the Bernabeu side, 247 of them in La Liga. He gained three league titles and two Champions League final victories during his seven year tenure in the first team squad.

Certain other stoppers are set to hit the road this summer in La Liga, with Valencia's squad not wanting for exceptions. Asier Del Horno and Curro Torres are set to move on from the coastal club, the former being linked with Barcelona just twelve months after arriving back in Spain from Chelsea.

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Valencia have signed experienced defender Ivan Helguera from Primera Liga rivals Real Madrid.

The Spanish champions have allowed the centre-half to leave the Bernabeu after eight years, and over 250 appearances for the club.

Helguera was not part of new coach Bernd Schuster's plans, particularly following the signings of Christoph Metzelder and Pepe.

The 32-year-old has signed a three-year contract with Valencia and will replace another wise head in the guise of Roberto Ayala, who has now joined Real Zaragoza.

Meanwhile, Valencia have allowed David Navarro to spend the upcoming season on loan at Mallorca.

Navarro is suspended until September for his part in the brawl which marred Valencia's UEFA Champions League tie with Internazionale in March.

Though he will spend the entire campaign on loan at Mallorca, there is no option for the deal to be made permanent.

Source: Skysports

[LAF]

Good signing. I thought Helguera played well for Madrid. Granted he had Cannavaro to organise things though.

Oh and there is already a Valencia section.

[Pat Murphy]

Helguera is a good signing for Valencia as their 2 starting CB's next season in Alexis and Raul Albiol are both 21. Helguera at 32 will add some much needed experience to the pair along with Marchena.

[Pat Murphy]

Helguera joins.

[jec1]

Very good move, I was surprised.