Valencia had been in negotiations with Olympique de Marseille regarding Ismael Koné, but he ended up joining Rennes instead. These negotiations were part of Valencia's strategy to bolster their team during the January transfer window. During this period, they also made efforts to acquire a central defender from Galatasaray, Victor Nelsson, who later transferred to Roma. Despite Valencia's coach, Carlos Corberán, personally reaching out to potential signings, Koné decided to join Rennes, prompting Valencia to persist in their quest for midfield reinforcements.