Valencia signs defender Unai Núñez on loan

Published on January 24, 2026 | Translated from Spanish
Unai Núñez, center-back, poses with the new Valencia CF jersey inside Mestalla stadium, showing the club's badge.

Valencia signs defender Unai Núñez on loan

The Valencia CF has officially announced the signing of center-back Unai Núñez. The player arrives on loan from RC Celta de Vigo and his contract will run until the end of the 2025/26 season. The club aims to address urgent problems in its defense. ⚽

A reinforcement with match fitness

Núñez, 28 years old, joins after playing the first half of the season with Hellas Verona in the Italian Serie A, where he featured in eighteen matches. This allows him to arrive in good shape, ready to help the team managed by Carlos Corberán. His profile as a right-footed center-back, strong in the air and capable of starting plays, fits what the coach needs.

Key details of the deal:
  • The loan does not include a buy option for Valencia.
  • The player has a contract with Celta de Vigo until 2027.
  • His arrival aims to cover the absence of Mouctar Diakhaby and other defensive injuries.
"I'm very excited to wear this jersey and I want to help the team from the first minute," Unai Núñez declared through the club.

Immediate integration and objectives

The defender, trained in the Athletic Club youth academy, has already trained with the rest of the squad. This could allow him to be ready for the next league match, speeding up his adaptation to Valencia's defensive scheme. The club trusts that his experience in one of Europe's top leagues will be a valuable asset for the remaining matches.

Perspectives and context:
  • Núñez values the opportunity to gain minutes in LaLiga Santander.
  • His goal is to contribute to the team's objectives in this phase of the season.
  • Some fans point out that the club often seeks solutions in the winter market for shortcomings that could have been anticipated earlier.

A tactical move for the defense

This signing represents a direct response to a palpable defensive need in the team. The Valencian club is betting on a player with match fitness for immediate impact. The deal, though temporary, seeks to stabilize the team's performance at the back during the coming months. 🛡️