Former Everton and West Ham United striker Enner Valencia has opened the door to a shock move to La Liga giants Barcelona on the final day of the January transfer window, in quotes reported by Sporx.
If you fancy being transported all the way back to 2015, take a quick glance at the Turkish Super Lig scoring charts. Fabio Borini, Mauro Icardi, Bafetimbi Gomis, Michy Batshuayi and, right at the top of the tree, Enner Valencia.
At 33, the veteran Ecuadorian is ageing like a fine wine.
With 22 goals in 29 games for Fenerbahce – plus a further three at the Qatar World Cup – this is arguably the greatest season of Valencia’s career. He even scored four in Saturday’s 5-1 hammering of Konyaspor.
And, if Barcelona are tempted to bring in affordable, short-term cover for Robert Lewandowski before tonight’s 11pm La Liga deadline, Valencia is one name to keep an eye on.
Could former West Ham and Everton striker Enner Valencia join Barcelona?
“Let’s say the interest is right and the offer came from Barcelona… who can refuse Barcelona?,” Valencia admits.
“If you are on the radar of a club like Barcelona, you are doing your job properly. It is not an easy task to get on the radar of such clubs.
“When I saw the news on social media (that Barca were interested), I thought they were making fun of me. I said; ‘I guess it’s some kind of joke’. Then I started seeing the news everywhere.”
Exactly how serious the La Liga leaders are about Valencia is up for debate. Xavi’s side have struggled in the final third during Lewandowski’s recent absence through suspension, however, scoring just three times in three league matches.
‘They call me ‘GOAT’ now
According to the BBC, West Ham sold Valencia for just £4 million to Mexican outfit Tigres in the summer of 2017. He departed the London Stadium after a disappointing loan spell at Everton.
Valencia scored just three goals in 23 matches for the Toffees. A far cry from his current form over in Turkey.
“The competition between the players pushes everyone’s performance up,” Valencia admits to Fenerbahce TV. “I have made the best start to the season in my career.”
“I also receive messages of support constantly. I’d be happy if I could be the Golden Boot winner.
“Everywhere, they call me ‘GOAT’ now! Everyone uses this nickname. I like it too. If our fans are happy about it, I’m happy too. The love they have shown is incredible! They call me ‘Superman’ in Ecuador, they call me GOAT in Turkey.
“I like both of (those nicknames).”
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