Feyenoord are hopeful of signing Luciano Valente from FC Groningen this summer. The midfielder has already visited the club, and the Rotterdammers have reportedly made an offer of four million euros, which can increase to five million via bonuses.
Agent Melvyn Wolthers told Dagblad van het Noorden extensively about the interests, the career path that Valente has in mind, and what is important to the player.
“There is quite a bit of interest,” Wolthers began. “We are very selective in that. Everything has to be focused on Luciano’s development. So we don’t just talk to any club. Moreover, everything is done in good consultation with FC Groningen director Frank van Mosselveld.”
In the Netherlands, PSV and FC Twente have registered interest in the player, while Ajax made cautious inquiries and Feyenoord have already spoken to the player.
“Football is about momentum, and for Luciano, it is now time to take a step up. He has that intention. However difficult, because his heart is green and white.”
According to Wolthers, several interested clubs have been rejected in recent years. “Luciano could earn a lot of money, but that is not his goal. His ultimate goal is to play in a World Cup. With that in mind, we are looking at what is a logical step in his career. A step in which playing time is very important.”
”I will not comment on the (Feyenoord) rumours, but suppose there is a bid, then it would be logical to talk to each other. There are several interested parties, but it is very simple: Luciano goes to the club he wants to go to. No club is currently in pole position. What we take into account is that it must also be good for FC Groningen, because that club has always been good to him.”
The young player’s direction is clear, according to Wolthers. “For Luciano, it is not about the money, but about the plan. Luciano is a young boy who has to hold his own in the football jungle. Different laws apply at top clubs, he gets a different salary. Young guys can be sensitive to that.”
What is also important is in what capacity a club wants him and how they plan to use him. “Luciano thinks it is important that he is seen as a versatile midfielder,” says Wolthers. “Luciano must be able to grow at his new club. As a footballer and as a person.
“The whole picture must be right. Luciano is not going to take a step just to take a step. That means that he can also stay at FC Groningen, because that is a fantastic club. What we want to know is whether he is getting good guidance. Because every club calls itself a family club, but they are not all. What we think is important is how a club deals with a player who is in a slump, or when he is not fit, while he lives in a big city with all the temptations that entails.”
