Season Review 2020/21: The Loanees

In an attempt to both secure playing time for some of the fringe players, and also with an eye on finances share some of the wage bill, several players spent time away from La Mestalla with varying success last season.

Without doubt the biggest, in terms of both stature and performance levels, was Manu Vallejo, who spent the season on loan with fellow La Liga side Villarreal. The 24 year old, who can play across the front, enjoyed great success during his time out on loan, with 11 goals in La Liga and a further 8 in the Copa Del Rey for Unai Emery’s side, who may now have one eye on making a permanent deal for the former Spanish Under-21 international.

Another who enjoyed plenty of game time away from the club was young midfielder Rodri, signed from Real Betis and then loaned out to Melilla, where he made 27 starts for the Segunda B side, and scored 7 goals and claimed 3 assists during a productive loan spell. The 21 year old returns to his parent club hoping he will have done enough to force his way into the first team squad for the coming season.

Italian full back Cristiano Piccini found minutes harder to come by during his time back in his country of birth, making just 8 starts in Serie A for Atalanta, with another 6 appearances from the bench. He also managed one start and 2 substitute appearances in the Champion’s League. With such a meagre return, it is unlikely Atalanta will look to take the deal any further, while it is also hard to see if and where he would fit into Valencia’s plans in the coming season, so it may be that the 28 year old Italian international is moved on in the summer.

Others enjoying time away included the promising 22 year old winger Alex Blanco, who racked up 16 appearances and 2 goals during a brief spell with Rayo Vallecano, while young centre half Guillem Molina made 14 starts during his 6 month spell with Numancia. 16 year old goalkeeper Andrés Céspedes made a solid start to his senior career, with 15 starts for Hospitalet, and with the potential departure of Jaume Doménech, he may find a few opportunities within the first team set up next season as a result. During his time with the Segunda B club, he kept 3 clean sheets for the struggling outfit.