In Valencia, it has long been evident to many observers that Peter Lim acquired the controlling stake in Valencia CF with a clear aim: to influence decisions from the inside, including the club’s player trading and overall strategic direction.
It is notable how some club voices and a portion of the media continue to portray Jorge Mendes as merely an agent. They insist that everything accomplished over the past eight and a half years centers on sporting concerns, claiming Mendes handles roughly 80 percent of signings and attributing any downturns to bad luck, the impact of COVID, or even the fans. That narrative suggests the club’s difficulties in January came from a volatile mix of sentiment and external factors rather than structural challenges.
What stands out is the club’s ongoing effort to minimize Mendes’ role as a member of Lim’s circle, even as insiders acknowledge a closer connection. Two Valencian figures who have been presented by some as top league managers recall experiences that shed light on the undercurrents at work. One name that surfaces in this context is Inmaculada Ibañez.
Years ago, Valencia CF’s financial director sat at a beachside table with Jorge Mendes, LayHoon Chan, and Mendes’ attorney. They had just reviewed club accounts after a preliminary visit to the offices, before returning later in the day for further assessment. That episode occurred before Lim’s eventual purchase, when Llorente still presided and Mendes showed an early interest in backing the club with Lim.
Inma Ibañez is described by many as one of the most influential financiers connected to the club and a trusted figure within Meriton’s circle. She reportedly supported LayHoon Chan on her return to Valencia on June 22, and she could have ascended to general manager if she wished, though she chose to stay in a less public position. This preference for privacy is evident in how she navigates the spotlight, remaining close to the financial decisions without becoming the focal point for fans.
Attempts to gauge Ibañez’s financial acumen often surface in conversations about the club’s numbers. In December, she acknowledged that Valencia was nearing a financial precipice, with banks tightening their lending. If the club faced economic strain, some point to decisions taken in past years as part of a broader pattern rather than a sudden collapse. The debate continues about why certain strategies were pursued and whether they aligned with a longer-term plan for Valencian stability and growth.
Despite official denials, Ibañez’s role is perceived by many as central to the club’s strategic and financial direction. Her silence and the annual accounts she signs are viewed by supporters as a barometer of the club’s health and the risks it has shouldered. Some fans wonder how a club can endure persistent financial pressure while pursuing ambitious signings and negotiating complex arrangements with agents and partners.
The broader question remains: how will Valencia CF balance ambition with fiscal prudence? Fans and analysts alike watch closely as the club navigates sponsorship, debt management, and player development, seeking a path that honors the club’s traditions while pursuing sustainable growth. The conversations continue about the influence of executive decisions and the implications for the team’s sporting performance and financial integrity, and whether those within the club who advocate for caution will shape a more transparent approach going forward.
As the narrative evolves, many in Valencia remember the era when Meriton took the reins and the layers of decision-making that followed. The dialogue about governance, accountability, and the roles of key figures remains a live topic, shaping how supporters perceive the club’s present and imagine its future. The questions linger: who really guides the finances, who approves the signings, and how will the club ensure long-term stability while remaining competitive in a demanding league?
Héctor Gómez / Sports Stand