Madrid - How is it possible that a club which signs a top-rated international player for free then wants to get rid of him just 15 months later?That is happening in Valencia right now with German goalkeeper Timo Hildebrand.
Valencia were delighted to take Hildebrand for free in July 2007, when he refused to sign a new contract at Vfb Stuttgart.
But now, according to sports daily Marca on Tuesday, they are keen to see the back of him and are prepared to give him a free transfer in January.
German fans were surprised and also a little disappointed when Hildebrand decided to leave Stuttgart 15 months ago, after helping them to the Bundesliga title - and after having established a new league record of 884 minutes without conceding a goal.
His plan was to take over from Santiago Canizares as first-choice at Valencia. Hilbebrand started last season on the bench, but then new coach Ronald Koeman fell out with Canizares and several other veterans - and had little choice but to turn to the German.
Hildebrand had an up-and-down time of it last season. Valencia were flirting with relegation for most of the season and Hildebrand was working much harder than he ever had to at Stuttgart.
But Valencia came back from the dead to win the King's Cup, with Hildebrand looking sharp against Barcelona in the semis and against Getafe in the final.
Even so, he was overlooked by Germany manager Joachim Loew for Euro 2008, despite having been in the 2006 World Cup squad.
Hildebrand, 29, seemed to have a bright future at Mestalla. But Koeman was soon on his way, and in came the young coach Unai Emery from Almeria.
Something has obviously gone wrong between Hildebrand and Emery, though neither of them has explained this in public.
Emery insisted on the club signing Brazilian Olympic keeper Renan (Brito Soares) in August and the Brazilian quickly established himself as first choice, helping "Los Ches" to stay on top of La Liga.
The surprising thing is that Emery's second choice has not been Hildebrand but untried youngster Vicente Guaita.
Hildebrand has not been called up for a single match, without the club having given any explanation at all.
Marca reported that Emery told Hildebrand on Monday that he did not like his attitude in training.
Apparently, Valencia are prepared to release Hildebrand for free in January. There will be no shortage of interest from the Bundesliga, where his reputation is still very strong.
