Former Southampton and Birmingham City fullback Yan Valery has agreed personal terms to join Championship outfit Sheffield Wednesday this summer, according to the latest reports.
It was revealed last week that the Tunisia international had garnered interest from the Owls as head coach Danny Rohl looks to bolster his squad to avoid another relegation dogfight in the 2024/25 campaign. However, The Star had reported that both Montpellier and Standard Liege were also keeping tabs on Valery’s situation at Angers after the French outfit earned promotion to Ligue 1 this season.
Speaking recently on rumours linking him with a return to English football just two years after he signed for Angers from Southampton, the 25-year-od admitted that if he had the chance to play in England once more, he would take it.
“Actually, I have become English. When I go to England, I immediately feel this calmness and this way of living that I personally prefer,” Valery said when speaking to 90football.
“If I had the chance to go back to England, I’d take it. I have really felt a warmth and things that I think are normal for a human being. He shouldn’t be bitter or not like his neighbour just because he’s different or because he sees life differently. We all live together, if you can help your neighbour, you help them. It’s more like that in England. You find that less easily in France.”
Now, The Star are claiming that Valery is closing in on a return to England as Sheffield Wednesday have agreed a fee with his current club Angers and personal terms with the player himself. The outlet have suggested that Rohl was key behind the Tunisian’s decision to choose South Yorkshire as his next destination.
Writer’s View
Valery’s previous stint in English football didn’t quite go to plan. Having emerged from the academy at Southampton to make his debut under former Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City boss Mark Hughes, the fullback made 23 appearances in the Premier League in his debut campaign. However, he went on to play just 36 times across the next four seasons, including a half-season loan spell at Birmingham City.
Nevertheless, Sheffield Wednesday could offer him a new lease of life. Rohl has been working his magic at Hillsborough and has vastly improved the capabilities of his squad since taking over back in October. Adding Valery to the mix, a player with experience in the top-flight at a nice age, will certainly bolster his defensive department ahead of next season.
