Luciano Valente is definitively moving from FC Groningen to Feyenoord, according to AD, RTV Noord, and VI. According to various media outlets, the clubs reached an agreement on Friday. Feyenoord is reportedly paying 7 million euros for the midfielder.
Feyenoord has been pursuing Valente for some time, but FC Groningen was not willing to let him go easily. Reportedly, the thirteenth-place team from last season initially wanted 8 million euros for the 21-year-old attacking midfielder, plus 1.5 million in bonuses.
While Valente reached the semi-finals of the European Championship in Slovakia with Jong Oranje, negotiations between FC Groningen and Feyenoord continued. FC Groningen has lowered its initial asking price and is settling for a sum of around 7 million euros.
However, the transfer fee may still increase through bonuses. In addition, FC Groningen will receive a portion of the transfer fee if Valente makes another transfer in the future. But first, he will sign a contract until mid-2029 in Rotterdam-Zuid.
Valente, the son of an Italian father, debuted for FC Groningen in 2022. That debut season was difficult and ended with relegation, but Valente achieved sporting revenge in the two subsequent seasons. He was promoted with FC Groningen after one season in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie and then excelled in the Eredivisie.
Ultimately, he played 94 official matches in green and white. Last season, Valente accounted for two goals and seven assists in the Eredivisie.
Valente is the third reinforcement for Feyenoord
The Feyenoord team for the upcoming season is beginning to take shape. Eredivisie top scorer Sem Steijn has already been acquired from FC Twente. Valente is the next newcomer, and Gaoussou Diarra from Istanbulspor in Turkey is expected to join as well.
This is offset by the departure of, among others, Quilindschy Hartman. The left-back completed his transfer to Premier League club Burnley this week. Dávid Hancko and Igor Paixão may also leave De Kuip.