Feyenoord presents Luciano Valente: 'There has only ever been one option'

Feyenoord’s summer transfer activity has taken a major step forward with the official signing of Luciano Valente from FC Groningen.

The 21-year-old midfielder, regarded as one of the most technically gifted young players in the Netherlands, joins the Rotterdam giants on a four-year contract after a deal worth approximately seven million euros was finalized last Friday. The transfer not only reinforces Feyenoord's midfield ahead of a crucial season but also represents a significant moment for FC Groningen, as it marks the club’s most lucrative sale of a homegrown talent in its history.

Valente’s move has been long in the making, with interest from Feyenoord first surfacing weeks ago. Despite reported interest from other clubs, both domestic and international, the Italian-Dutch midfielder made it clear that his heart was set on joining De Kuip. “From the moment Feyenoord called, I knew this was the place for me,” Valente said during his presentation. “There were other options, but in my mind, there was only ever one choice. Feyenoord is more than a club it’s a family. When I came here with Groningen, I was overwhelmed by the atmosphere. I’ve never experienced anything like it. Now, I can’t wait to be on the other side of that to play for these fans, not against them.”

Valente will wear the number 40 shirt and is set to link up with the squad in mid-July, just in time for the start of Feyenoord’s preparations for the UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds. His excitement about the upcoming campaign was evident. “Honestly, I’m a bit sad that I still have a holiday ahead of me,” he joked. “I just want to get started. I want to contribute as quickly as possible and help this team succeed in Europe and in the league. I believe we can achieve something special this season.”

The deal is seen as a key piece of business by Feyenoord's new head coach Robin van Persie, who is entering his first season in charge after stepping up from his assistant role. Van Persie, one of the most iconic Dutch forwards of all time, has made it clear that Valente is not just a signing for the present, but an investment in the club’s footballing identity. “Luciano brings intelligence, technical skill, and personality,” Van Persie told Voetbal International. “We had a long meeting over four hours and there was a natural connection. You don’t spend that much time talking football with someone unless there’s mutual understanding and ambition. After the meeting, I called Dennis [te Kloese] and said: I’ve got a good feeling about this kid.”

Valente, a Dutch youth international with Italian heritage, came through the ranks at Groningen and quickly established himself as a mainstay in their midfield, even during difficult seasons for the club. His composure on the ball, range of passing, and positional awareness drew comparisons to elite midfielders, and his development was closely followed by top Eredivisie clubs. Groningen’s relegation last year didn’t go unnoticed, but Valente’s performances were widely seen as a bright spot in a turbulent campaign. Now, his departure not only provides the club with a financial boost but also underlines its success in developing academy talent.

While Feyenoord welcomes Valente, they are also saying goodbye to another midfield jewel. Antoni Milambo, long considered one of the brightest prospects to emerge from the club’s youth academy, is moving to England in a blockbuster transfer worth 20 million euros, with an additional 5 million in realistic performance-related bonuses. The deal makes Milambo the most expensive 20-year-old ever sold by Feyenoord and underlines the growing international value of young Dutch talent. Milambo, who made his debut at just 16, became the youngest player in club history to appear in a first-team match. Now, he leaves as the most expensive youth departure in Feyenoord’s books.

For Van Persie and technical director Dennis te Kloese, the double development of signing Valente and cashing in on Milambo represents both continuity and evolution. The club continues to balance smart acquisitions with lucrative exits a model that has served them well in recent years. “This is the nature of football at the top level,” said Van Persie. “You build, you grow, and sometimes you have to let players go. But it also creates space for new ideas, new energy and I think Luciano brings that.”

Van Persie also reflected on the importance of trust and instinct in recruitment. “You learn over time to listen to your intuition,” he said. “There are times when everything looks right on paper, but something doesn’t feel right. And then there are cases like Luciano where after a few hours, you know. You just know.”

Valente is expected to play a significant role in Feyenoord’s midfield rotation, especially with the busy European calendar on the horizon. Whether deployed as a deep-lying playmaker or in a more advanced creative role, his versatility offers Van Persie tactical flexibility. More importantly, he arrives with the hunger and humility that fits the culture of the club.

Feyenoord supporters, known for their passion and high expectations, will be eager to see their new signing in action. And for Valente, that moment stepping onto the De Kuip pitch in red and white can’t come soon enough.