Maduro signs for Valencia

[Pat Murphy]

Maduro Set To Complete Valencia Move

Hedwiges Maduro is expected to conclude his transfer from Ajax to Valencia on Friday as Ronald Koeman has pinpointed him as the perfect replacement for David Albelda.

The 22-year-old Dutch midfielder is reported to be flying to Spain where he will undergo a medical and put pen-to-paper on a deal by the end of the day.

Koeman has made his move as Maduro's contract expires at the end of the end of the season and Ajax are keen to receive a fee rather than let him leave nothing.

With 12 international appearances for the Netherlands already, his experience and versatility made him a prime target for many of Europe's wealthier clubs.

Koeman jumped to the head of the queue though as he continues his restructuring of Los Ché squad and looks to have clinched the deal.

Standing at 1.85m tall, Maduro's physical presence has seen him shine in defensive midfield and he will be asked to partner another new arrival, Éver Banega, in the centre.

Maduro was voted as Ajax's most promising prospect in 2003-04 and quickly saw his career take off as he became a regular in the Amsterdam club's side and went on to appear in the 2006 World Cup Finals.

Albelda's future is still up in the air after he was told that he is surplus to requirements and has attracted the interest of several clubs both in Spain and abroad.

Despite that, Valencia have stated that he can only leave if someone is willing to meet his €60m buy-out clause which has left the veteran campaigner in limbo.

Goal.com

Goal.com - Valencia - Maduro Set To Complete Valencia Move

Was from Goal.com but Valencia have confirmed the move a few hours ago....

Hedwiges Maduro can play DM and CB and has probably been brought in to fill a hole where Albelda and Fernandes have departed.

[Trim]

I've never seen him play, but I've heard of him. He's well rated.

It's a good signing, I guess.

[Blaugrana]

Terrible signing, he isn't good enough for Valencia. Even at Ajax he didn't start while he's nearly 23 years old. Can't see him improving much but i hope he proves me wrong. Ronald Koeman is still showing his bad buying skills, like at Vitesse, Ajax and PSV. Nearly all the players he bought were complete failures.

To compare Maduro to a player you all know; Gabri has been far better for Ajax. Indeed, the former Barcelona sub. So i really really doubt that Maduro is good enough to start for Valencia.

But like i said, i hope he proves me wrong.

[Super Pibe #7]

Yep Blaug he used to be rated highly when he first emerged, but he hasn't really lived to any of the expectations everyone had for him.

This guy over Fernandes is really smart by Koeman.