Real Oviedo refuses to lower Aarón Escandell's price

Aarón Escandell is poised to become one of the market's central figures following Real Oviedo's relegation to the Second Division. The goalkeeper from Carlos Tartiere has had a magnificent season individually, to the point of being recognized as one of the best goalkeepers in La Liga despite the collective struggles of the Asturian team.

Valencia is the club that has shown the most interest in signing him. The prospect of returning home is particularly appealing to the Carcaixent goalkeeper, but Real Oviedo is not keen on facilitating his departure and refers to a release clause of five million euros, complicating negotiations.

Escandell earns the leap after an enormous year

Real Oviedo's season has ended with the worst possible outcome. Relegation to the Second Division has been a severe blow to a fan base that hoped to establish the team in the elite after many years of waiting.

In that context, Aarón Escandell has been one of the few bright spots. The goalkeeper has upheld the team through many matches, prevented heavier defeats, and provided consistency that has strengthened him despite the collective failure.

His season has been particularly commendable due to the amount of work he had between the posts. Oviedo has struggled in defense, requiring the goalkeeper to intervene frequently. Instead of faltering, Escandell has responded with reflexes, personality, and notable ability to compete under pressure.

At 30 years old, he is at an ideal moment of maturity. He is no longer a promising talent seeking a place but an established goalkeeper with experience, confidence, and a proven performance in La Liga.

Therefore, his departure seems increasingly likely. Relegation changes all plans, and a player who has performed at that level is unlikely to accept competing in the Second Division if there are real chances of remaining in LaLiga.

Valencia pushes for both sporting and emotional reasons

Valencia has been monitoring Escandell's situation for some time. The Mestalla club needs to strengthen its goalkeeping position and sees the goalkeeper as a very appealing option due to performance, age, and familiarity with the environment.

The emotional factor carries significant weight. Escandell was born in Carcaixent and came up through Valencia's youth ranks, making a return to Mestalla hold special meaning. It would not just be another signing but the chance to go back to the club where he began building himself as a player.

Furthermore, the operation makes sense in a sporting context. Valencia is seeking competition in goal, a reliable goalkeeper ready to take immediate responsibility. Escandell comes from a demanding season and has shown he can perform even in adverse situations.

The player views the possibility favorably. After a brilliant year individually, he believes it is time to capitalize on his peak form. Returning home and staying in La Liga would be a very appealing move.

However, the player's desire is not enough. Real Oviedo has a valid contract and is unwilling to lose its star player without significant compensation.

Oviedo stands firm and demands his release clause

The main issue lies in the negotiations between clubs. Real Oviedo is unwilling to discuss under discounted conditions and has taken a firm stance: whoever wants to take Escandell must meet his five-million-euro release clause.

For Valencia, that amount is substantial. The Che club operates with limited resources and aims to try to reduce the final price, whether through direct negotiation, deferred payments, or variables to facilitate an agreement.

Oviedo, on the other hand, believes it cannot give away its best player immediately after relegation to the Second Division. Losing Escandell would be a huge blow in the sporting aspect, and if he must depart, the Asturian club wants the deal to provide sufficient funds to rebuild the squad.

The situation is open. Valencia has interest, the player has hope, and Oviedo holds the contractual key. Each party is playing its cards in an operation that may prolong if no one yields.

Escandell has earned the right to stay in the elite, but his departure will not be easy. Mestalla awaits him, the goalkeeper wants to return, and Valencia seeks to lower the price. Real Oviedo, for now, remains steadfast: five million or nothing.