Antonio Valencia is a free agent once again, 12 months after being released by Manchester United.
The former Red Devils captain left United last June, with 339 club appearances to his name.
He made only nine appearances in his final season, with just two coming under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
After rumours which linked him to Sheffield United (The Mail), Valencia eventually returned to his homeland of Ecuador, signing with LDU Quito.
Now LDU Quito have decided to part ways with Valencia, citing the current economic situation. They said the decision was agreed with mutual consent of the player.
They issued a statement which read: “Through this, we communicate that due to the complicated situation that our country is going through, Antonio Valencia and Liga Deportiva Universitaria have been forced to make some difficult decisions, which is why a mutual agreement has been reached to end their contractual relationship.”
Valencia played 28 games for LDU Quito, scoring one goal and providing two assists.
He has not been able to play at all over the past four months, due to the suspension of the league.
What next for Valencia?
Valencia turns 35 in August and is unlikely to retire just yet. It is very possible Valencia returns to Europe for one last stint.
ElComercio report Valencia remains in top physical condition and that he already has offers on the table. He is currently analysing them, while awaiting more options.
Valencia is still actually owed a testimonial from Manchester United, having completed 10 seasons at Old Trafford.
The MEN reported earlier this year that the winger turned right-back was very keen for this to happen.
The original plan was for LDU Quito to travel to England to face United. It likely would have been a part of this pre-season.
Now with no fans able to attend, this will have been postponed, and with Valencia’s contract at LDU Quito terminated, his eventual testimonial may take on a different form if it does happen.
We may eventually see Valencia make one final visit to play at Old Trafford, but he will have to wait, and choose a different route first.
- Amad reacts to seeing Man Utd teammate in new blue away kit, immediately backs him for 30 goals and assists in 2024/25
- Inter Milan manager comments on Denzel Dumfries performances are a warning to Manchester United
- Nicolas Pepe backs Manchester United winger Antony, he knows exactly what the issue is
- Wigan manager and sporting director praise ‘natural goalscorer’ Joe Hugill as loan deal confirmed
- Erik ten Hag signing has door closed on transfer as club president says there is ‘no possibility’ of move for Man Utd star
- Fabrizio Romano explains Man Utd’s ‘very clear position’ on key first-team player amid Premier League club’s interest
- Joe Hugill poses with Wigan shirt as he becomes first Man Utd player sent on loan in 2024/25
- Man Utd told there is ‘concrete possibility’ of signing player for ‘mid-range figure’ after Erik ten Hag’s contract extension
- Three proven left-back signings United have to consider this summer