Feyenoord has finalized the arrival of Luciano Valente on Wednesday. The 21-year-old midfielder is transferred from FC Groningen for approximately 7 million euros and signs a contract at De Kuip until mid-2029.
The transfer fee may increase somewhat through bonuses. In addition, FC Groningen will receive a portion of the transfer fee if Valente makes another transfer in the future. The midfielder will play with shirt number 40 at Feyenoord at his own request.
“Finally it’s official,” says Valente on the Feyenoord website. “For me and my family, there has always been only one option from the moment Feyenoord contacted us. This is where I wanted to go. It took a while, but I am happy that it has now happened.”
“I see Feyenoord as one big family from the outside. When I came here as a player in a Groningen shirt, I didn’t know what I was experiencing at De Kuip. I am very happy that I can now play in front of those people.”
Valente participated in the European Championship with Jong Oranje this summer, so he still needs to recover from a long season. “I almost regret that I have to go on vacation, because I can’t wait to start and be of value. I am already looking forward to the matches in the Champions League preliminary rounds.”
Valente most expensive trained Groningen player ever
With his transfer to Feyenoord, Valente ensures the largest outgoing transfer of a home-grown player from FC Groningen. He joined the Eredivisie club’s training program in 2014. His professional debut followed in 2022.
The midfielder was relegated to the Keuken Kampioen Divisie with FC Groningen in 2023, but promotion to the Eredivisie followed the following year. Valente played 94 matches for FC Groningen, in which he scored ten goals and provided seventeen assists.
After a short vacation, Valente will join trainer Robin van Persie’s selection halfway through this month. Feyenoord starts the practice campaign on Saturday with an away match against SC Cambuur.