Sheffield Wednesday target Yan Valery reveals desire to return to England

As reported by L’Équipe, Yan Valery (25) has agreed terms with EFL Championship side Sheffield Wednesday. However, Montpellier HSC and Standard Liège are both in the race to sign the SCO Angers defender. The Tunisian international has recently made his stance on a return to England clear in an interview with 90 Football. 

Valery came through the ranks at Southampton, where he worked with now Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Röhl, who at the time was assistance to Ralph Hasenhütll. The Championship side are keen on bringing Valery back to England with the clubs currently negotiating a transfer. 

‘I have become English’ – Valery

Angers, who returned to Ligue 1 at the first time of asking, are receiving considerable interest in the defender, who played 37 games for the club last season. As reported by L’Équipe, Montpellier and Standard Liège have also shown interest, although it is thought that the former will not follow up their enquiry.

Amid talks, Valery has revealed that he is keen on a return to England. “Actually, I have become English. When I go to England, I immediately feel this calmness and this way of living that I personally prefer,” began the Angers defender in an interview with 90 Football. 

He added, “If I had the chance to go back to England, I’d take it. I have really felt a warmth and things that I think are normal for a human being. He shouldn’t be bitter or not like his neighbour just because he’s different or because he sees life differently. We all live together, if you can help your neighbour, you help them. It’s more like that in England. You find that less easily in France.” 

There may be multiple clubs in for Valery, however, his intentions have been made clear. It is now up to Sheffield Wednesday to reach an agreement with Angers. 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle