Kingsley Ehizibue: Dutch-Nigerian free agent linked with Valencia move

Dutch-Nigerian defender Kingsley Ehizibue, currently without a club after leaving Udinese, is being linked with a move to La Liga side Valencia as the Spanish club explore options to strengthen at right-back.

Ehizibue, 31, became a free agent on 1 July 2026 following his departure from Serie A, making him an attainable target for Valencia, who are assessing low-cost defensive reinforcements this summer. With no transfer fee required, any deal would be centred on personal terms and role within the squad rather than negotiations with a selling club.

Born in Munich and standing at 1.89m, Ehizibue has built up substantial top-flight experience across three major European leagues. He has made 115 Serie A appearances, scoring four goals and adding two assists during his time in Italy, having previously played 69 times in the Bundesliga for 1. FC Koln and 122 times in the Eredivisie for PEC Zwolle.

The right-footed full-back moved from Zwolle to Koln in 2019 in a €2m deal before joining Udinese in 2022 for €1.5m, and his market value was last listed at €2m shortly before his contract in Italy came to an end. His background includes continental qualification fixtures, including outings in Europa Conference League play-offs and qualifying rounds.

Valencia are thought to be considering Ehizibue as an experienced option who could arrive immediately, with his free-agent status allowing flexibility outside more complex transfer negotiations. For now, the defender remains unattached and available on a free transfer ahead of the new season.