Kenyan defender handed first-team pre-season chance at LaLiga club
Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 14.07.26. | 08:00
The team's pre-season campaign begins on 18 July, with Wanjala now in contention to feature in a series of high-profile friendlies that could determine his immediate future at the club
Kenya U20 captain Amos Wanjala has taken another major step towards realizing his European dream after earning a place in Valencia CF's first-team squad for the club's pre-season preparations ahead of the 2026-2027 campaign.
The talented defender has been called up to train with the senior side after Lucas Núñez picked up an injury during Valencia's training camp in Girona, handing the Kenyan youngster a golden opportunity to impress the coaching staff.
Should Wanjala make the most of his chance during pre-season, he could force his way into Valencia's first-team plans and earn a place in the club's La Liga squad for the new season.
The call-up also underlines the growing presence of Kenyan talent in Spain's top flight.
Wanjala becomes the second Kenyan player to join a La Liga club's senior pre-season camp this summer after Job Ochieng, who is training with Real Sociedad's first team.
Ochieng has already made his senior debut for Sociedad and was part of the club's Copa del Rey-winning squad last season.
Wanjala's rise has been rapid since moving to Valencia in January 2026 from Athletic Club Torrellano, where he featured in Spain's Tercera Federación.
The former St. Anthony's Boys Kitale captain quickly impressed within Valencia's academy setup and has now been rewarded with a chance to showcase his abilities alongside the club's senior stars.
Speaking after completing his move to Valencia earlier this year, the defender outlined his ambitions.
"I am very happy to be here at Valencia CF. It is a great club with a great history. The Valencia CF Academy is a great Academy. It is a great opportunity for me and I want to make the most of it and achieve more success with Valencia CF."
The Kenya U20 skipper also spoke about the pride of flying the Kenyan flag in one of Europe's top footballing nations.
"I am very happy to be able to represent my country here in Valencia. It is an achievement for my country, for myself and for my family. I know my family are very happy. They have been with me throughout this journey. Now it is time to bear fruit and I am also very happy to be here. I know many Kenyans are looking forward to seeing me at Valencia CF and this is the moment. I am fully focused on the team."
Valencia's pre-season campaign begins on 18 July, with Wanjala now in contention to feature in a series of high-profile friendlies that could determine his immediate future at the club.
Valencia CF pre-season fixtures
July 18: Petro de Luanda (Girona, Spain)
July 22: CD Eldense (Antonio Puchades Stadium)
July 25: CD Castellón (Antonio Puchades Stadium)
July 28: Derby County (St. George's Park, England – behind closed doors)
August 1: Stoke City (St. George's Park, England)
August 8: Newcastle United (Mestalla Stadium)
