La Liga
Aarón Escandell is very close to finalizing his return to Valencia. The goalkeeper of Real Oviedo, one of the standout names of the 2025/26 season in LaLiga, would already have a preliminary agreement with the Mestalla club to return to the place where he took his first steps as a footballer.
At 30 years old, the Spanish goalkeeper has had an outstanding season despite the relegation of the Asturian team. His performance has been one of the few great pieces of news at Carlos Tartiere and he now seems poised to become the new owner of the Valencia goal.
Escandell shining despite Oviedo's relegation
The season of Real Oviedo has ended with a painful outcome. The Asturian team has failed to establish itself in the top flight, and relegation has opened the door to a deep squad overhaul.
Within that negative context, Aarón Escandell has been an obvious exception. The goalkeeper has supported the team in many matches, prevented broader defeats, and earned the recognition of fans who have appreciated his commitment till the end.
His campaign has been particularly commendable because he has lived under constant pressure. Oviedo has struggled in too many games, conceded a lot, and forced their goalkeeper to intervene frequently. Escandell has responded with personality, reflexes, and notable consistency.
Standing out in a relegated team is not easy, especially from the goalpost. However, the Valencian has managed to come out strengthened from a challenging season. His individual performance has been well above the collective context.
Therefore, his departure seems inevitable. With Oviedo back in a lower category, retaining one of the standout goalkeepers of the season will be a virtually impossible task.
Valencia finds a market opportunity
Valencia had been searching for a solution for their goalpost for the upcoming season for a while. The sports management needed a reliable goalkeeper, with experience in LaLiga, and ready to take immediate responsibility at Mestalla.
Escandell fits that profile. He wouldn't arrive as a prospect to develop but as a mature, competitive goalkeeper at the peak of his career. At 30 years old, he is at an ideal age for a goalkeeper: with accumulated experience but still with potential ahead.
The emotional factor also weighs. Escandell was trained in Valencia's youth categories and has always maintained a special bond with the club. Returning to Mestalla wouldn't just be any move for him but the opportunity to close an unfinished chapter.
The personal agreement is very advanced, and the player views returning to the institution where he began his professional career very favorably. After years of playing for various clubs, the return to Valencia comes at a time of full maturity.
For the Che club, the operation makes sense in terms of sports and sentiment. It would bring in a homegrown player, hungry for redemption, and ready to compete from day one.

Mestalla awaits him as the new leader in goal
The challenge for Escandell will be significant. Defending Valencia's goal implies coping with a pressure very different from that of other scenarios. Mestalla demands character, personality, and the ability to respond on tough nights.
The goalkeeper arrives prepared for that challenge. His season at Real Oviedo has shown that he can perform even in adverse situations, with a lot of work and little margin for error. This experience could be very valuable for a Valencia in need of defensive assurance.
Valencia seeks stability. In recent years, the goalpost has seen different scenarios, and the club needs a player capable of instilling confidence in the defense and continuity in the project.
Escandell can precisely provide that. He may not be a flashy signing, but he is a logical, well-worked addition with clear sporting arguments. His knowledge of the club and desire to return add an important component to the operation.
Oviedo's relegation has expedited all events. What might have appeared as a market possibility months ago has become a very real option for Valencia.
If nothing changes, Aarón Escandell will guard Mestalla's goal next season. He will return to the club where he grew up but as an established, consolidated goalkeeper ready to take on a leading role in a crucial phase of his career.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Valencia ata el fichaje de la estrella del Oviedo
