Leeds United are said to be interested in bringing teenage star Jesus Vasquez to the club, in a bid to bolster the club's full-back options.
According to reports via Spanish newspaper AS, the 19-year-old's next steps have been discussed by both Victor Orta and the La Liga's side hierarchy. Vasquez has been at the club since the age of five.
Valued at around £8.6m by the CIES Football Observatory, Junior Firpo's position could now be under threat as the club eyes a potential further defensive addition.
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Los Che academy graduate
Having seen the likes of David Silva, Isco and Jose Gaya pass through the club's glittering academy set-up, it seems Vasquez could be the next name to pass through on the way to a successful career at the top level. The teenager made his debut for the side back in December 2020 and has since made four appearances under Gennaro Gattuso so far this term.
Largely preferred to play over on the left of a back four, Vasquez's versatility has been admired, as he has also been asked to play on the other side of the pitch. A natural left footer, the defender stands at 6ft tall and loves to carry the ball out of defence whilst having strong footwork whilst dribbling in possession.
Valencia are famed for producing top-quality left-backs, with Jordi Alba, Juan Bernat, and Jose Gaya being the most famous examples. Could Vasquez be the next name to step up?
Gareth Bale comparisons
Given Gareth Bale started his career with both Southampton and Tottenham as a left-back, and comparing his height to the Valencia man, many comparisons have been naturally made. His 6ft frame as mentioned also backs up those claims, but whether or not he is best suited to playing further forward remains to be seen.
Naturally providing cover to captain Gaya this season will prove to be his main task, but continuing to impress in the Spanish top flight, it is no wonder Leeds are said to be keeping close tabs on the Spain Under-19 international.
Having also dropped his past agent and recently signed up with Leaderbrock agency, who have represented former Valencia players such as Ferran Torres and Jason Remeseiro in the past, it is no secret that a big move could soon be in the pipeline.
What has been said about him?
Former Valencia B team coach Oscar Fernandez is the biggest name thus far to have offered praise for the youngster, insisting he was more than impressed by what he saw during his time on the Spanish south coast.
Fernandez told Gazzetta.it: "In some ways, he's similar to the AC Milan player (Theo Hernandez), whom I worked with when I was coaching the Atletico Madrid youth team. I think there are similarities between him and Theo in terms of performance, both technical and physical.''
“The Frenchman, however, plays a lot in attack, I can't say at what level Vazquez is right now, over the last two years he's played several matches with the senior team and it was clear how ready he is to become a professional. Be careful, however," Fernandez added, “Jesus is a special player, but he needs to be eased into it slowly, one step at a time."
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