Valencia CF has made the statement move their fans have been waiting for. After weeks of intense negotiations, Guido Rodríguez is officially a 'Blanquinegro.' The deal, which at times appeared to be at a standstill, was finally unlocked thanks to a series of factors where the player's own willpower was the driving force.

The 'Vía Crucis' to leave London Although Guido's contract with West Ham was set to expire this coming June, the English club held an ace up their sleeve: a unilateral one-year renewal clause. This gave the Hammers total control over the Argentine’s future.

However, the player’s firm decision to return to LaLiga and the intervention of Ron Gourlay—whose rapport with the London club was key—helped 'soften' the English side's stance. Following a definitive talk between Guido himself and his manager, Nuno Espírito Santo, West Ham finally agreed to let him go.

A symbolic transfer and an economic sacrifice In order for Guido to join Carlos Corberán’s squad immediately and fill the void left by Barrenechea’s significant absence, Valencia CF agreed to pay a nominal transfer fee. This payout was the necessary price to prevent other suitors, such as Brazil’s Gremio, from hijacking the deal.

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But the effort wasn't the club's alone. Guido Rodríguez has accepted a substantial pay cut, aligning his financial expectations with Valencia’s Financial Fair Play reality. His priority is strictly sporting: he needs competitive rhythm to secure his place in the Argentina squad for the 2026 World Cup.

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