Max Aarons, the former Norwich City full-back, is reportedly on the verge of joining La Liga side Valencia on an initial loan deal. This development follows a challenging period for the 25-year-old at Bournemouth, where he has struggled to secure consistent playing time, managing just one Premier League start—a goalless encounter against Crystal Palace last month (The Pink'un).
Aarons’ limited opportunities at Bournemouth have prompted him to seek a loan transfer, and multiple sources indicate that Valencia are keen to bring him to the Mestalla Stadium on a temporary basis. The proposed arrangement is expected to last until the end of the current season and may include an option for Valencia to make the transfer permanent for a fee of £7.5 million, potentially marking the conclusion of Aarons' frustrating chapter at Bournemouth.
The right-back joined Bournemouth in the summer of 2023 from Norwich City, where he had established himself as a regular first-team player over a five-year tenure. His transfer to the Cherries was completed for a fee of £9 million, plus additional clauses, after he was close to signing with former Norwich manager Daniel Farke at Leeds United but ultimately opted for a return to the Premier League.
Despite the promise Aarons displayed early in his career, he has made only 26 appearances since his switch to Bournemouth, raising concerns about his long-term future at the club. His lack of game time has led to speculation regarding his next steps.
During his illustrious spell at Norwich, Aarons made 213 appearances, scoring six goals and providing 13 assists. He played a pivotal role in the club's success, helping secure two Championship titles under Farke. His talent even attracted interest from high-profile clubs, including Barcelona and Manchester United, underscoring his potential. As Aarons prepares for this anticipated move to Valencia, it will be intriguing to see how he adapts and works to reclaim his place in the starting lineup.