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Kenyan prodigy Amos Wanjala reflects on first-team Valencia call-up
18th July, 2026 03:47 PM
Kenyan youngster Amos Wanjala has been called up to the Valencia CF senior squad for pre-season training as the team ramps up preparations ahead of the 2026/27 La Liga campaign.
Speaking to the club’s media channel on Saturday, July 18, 2026, the Kenya U20 captain termed the call-up a massive opportunity to train alongside the senior squad, arriving just a year after he switched clubs in Spain, joining the Mestalla reserves from a lower-tier side.
The former Nastic Academy player has also had a stint in the Spanish city of lower-tier Athletic Torrellano, from where he left to join Valencia in January 2026.
Wanjala, a standout pillar in the Valencia B team, is among the few select youngsters handed the rare chance to rub shoulders with the senior pros during this pre-season camp.
His breakthrough opportunity came after fellow B-team centre-back Lucas Núñez picked up a knock during a session in Girona.
“It is my first pre-season with the first team. It’s a great opportunity, and I am very happy to be here,” a delighted Wanjala stated. “I arrived here in January with the B team, and it has been great interacting with the players, staff, and coaches. I thank God for how far He has brought me.”
The Mombasa-born star stands a strong chance of earning a permanent spot in Valencia’s La Liga roster for the upcoming season if he impresses head coach Carlos Corberán and his technical staff.
Corberán, who has a proven track record of developing youth from his previous stint managing the Leeds United U23s, is keen on integrating fresh talent.
The tactician recently navigated a balanced campaign to secure a top-half finish for Los Ches, guiding the team to a 9th-place finish in La Liga for the 2025/26 season.
Kenyan youngster making waves in Spain
Wanjala will hope to join youngster Job Ochieng, who appears to be on course for a permanent stay with La Liga outfit Real Sociedad’s first team. Ochieng has been a mainstay in Real Sociedad’s B team until the end of last season, when the 23-year-old forward was promoted to the main Real Sociedad senior roster.
Aldrine Kibet is also on the verge of staking his claim for a first-team appearance with Celta Vigo after helping the reserves, Celta Fortuna, to promotion to La Liga 2 last season.
