Valencia CEO Ron Gourlay has outright denied the club were interested in a move for Birmingham City striker Marvin Ducksch on deadline day.
Super Deporte report comments from the Valencia CEO today as criticism of his and the club’s performance during the summer transfer window increases.
Sport Witness covered a report today explaining that pressure was growing on Gourlay thanks to Valencia’s failures in the window.
They spent just €9m on eight players – four of that on one player alone – and have left manager Carlos Corberán without the signings he wanted.
The manager, too, is a bone of contention for the fanbase. They have long called for him to be sacked, but the club have instead handed him a new deal until 2028. That, and a lack of transfer business, has led to more questions being asked of Gourlay.
Birmingham City bid
Deadline day in particular proved to be farcical as they attempted secure a striker. Reports indicated that Birmingham City’s Marvin Ducksch was on their list. Indeed, the report today stated a late bid was made and then shut down by the Blues because of its lateness.
That proceeded an attempt for Levante’s Etta Eyong. Valencia’s rivals rejected that offer and have since used it to ridicules the club after the transfer window closed.
That, naturally, has led to more criticism of Gourlay. Fans have questioned his strategy in the window and his management of the club in general.
Offer has now been denied
Rather than acknowledging those late bids, though, Gourlay has taken a different path. He has instead insisted that neither the Birmingham nor Levante strikers were ever seriously considered by Valencia.
“They were never seriously considered. There was no direct contact and no interest, even though 40 or 50 conversations took place,” he said.
“With (Harvey) Elliott, we were right at the limit regarding Financial Fair Play. We were attentive and open to exploring any potential incoming or outgoing players. But there was no interest in these specific individuals.”
