A new season brings new expectations and aspirations. Valencia’s disappointing finish in 8th place last season means the only way is up. Much of is this renewed optimism for a club that has experienced financial difficulties for the best part of 10 years is due to the imminent takeover by Singapore billionaire Peter Lim.

The fee of the takeover is yet to be disclosed, however Lim is expected to clear the club’s debt of €200 million, as well as invest in Valencia’s long awaited new stadium – Nou Mestalla. The stadium broke ground in 2007, but the club’s massive debt halted construction and protracted plans to complete the targeted 75 000 capacity seated stadium. Instead Nou Mestalla will hold 61 500, after it was decided to reduce the capacity in order to cut costs. No date has yet been set for its completion.

Moving from off the field to on it and Los Che have signed a number of promising players, in addition to hiring another new manager. Nuno Espirito Santo of Portugal becomes the fifth manager in two years for the Spaniards. The former goalkeeper has limited coaching experience with only a two-year spell at Portuguese side Rio Ave next to his credentials, prior to moving to the seaside city. Therefore, it makes a surprising appointment considering the pressure of taking the reins of such a proud club.

Arguably the two biggest acquisitions this summer for Valencia have been Andre Gomes and Rodrigo. The Benfica pair were bought by private consortium Meriton Capital Limited in January, which incidentally is owned by billionaire Peter Lim. Since the takeover has not been completely finalised the duo were brought in on-loan. Rodrigo, a winger, is viewed as one of Europe’s hottest properties after a number of brilliant seasons with the Lisbon based team. Andre Gomes offers another dimension too. The 21-year-old is a box-to-box midfielder, who despite playing a bit-part role in the domestic season for Benfica, showcased his talent in the Europa League.

Shkodran Mustafi was purchased from Serie A side Sampdoria for a reported fee of €8 million. The versatile German featured at the World Cup for his country and plies his trade as a full-back, though competent in the centre-back role. Meanwhile, Argentine Rodrigo De Paul has also moved to the Valencia outfit from Racing Club. An attacking midfielder, comfortable in possession, sees this auspicious youngster as another shrewd purchase.

When Juan Bernat was sold to German champions Bayern Munich, many were wondering who would fill the void at left-back. However, Jose Luis Gaya, a product of the youth academy has taken pre-season like a duck to water and looks capable of being a starter at just 19. In case it may be too premature for Gaya to become a regular, a reinforcement in the form of Lucas Orban from Bordeaux will probably feature. The 25-year-old Argentinian left-back is another adequate piece of business by Valencia’s hierarchy, most likely rotating with Gaya for that position.

Despite the notable departures of Bernat and Jeremy Mathieu, Valencia have a genuine opportunity to return to the top four. The aforementioned arrivals is a testament to that. Combine those new arrivals with the current crop of players it is a solid squad. Existing players include young striker Paco Alcacer, pacey winger Sofiane Feghouli, goalkeeper Diego Alves and temperamental Ever Banega, who if he has his head in the right place, is undoubtedly a potent creative midfielder for Los Che.

The future appears bright for one of Spain’s sleeping giants. Peter Lim’s takeover will be seen as a welcome relief by many of the Valencia faithful, as their financial problems have been no kept secret. Not only will the influx of money benefit the club, but also make La Liga even more competitive. Onwards and upwards.

Predicted La Liga finish: 4th