The move clears the way for a switch to PAOK Salonika, who have confirmed Santamaria's arrival as a free agent on a deal running until June 2027. The Frenchman travelled to Greece on Sunday, with Valencia's permission, to undergo a medical and sign his new contract with the Greek club.
Santamaria, 31, joined Valencia last summer from Stade Rennes and made 22 appearances across La Liga and the Copa del Rey during the 2025-26 campaign. His lone goal for the club came against Athletic Club in matchday five, the best individual performance of his time in Spain, a game in which he also won a penalty, forced an opposition sending-off and provided an assist.
The move allows Valencia to free up a squad spot as they continue planning for the new season, while Santamaria begins a fresh chapter in Greek football under PAOK, one of the Super League's most prominent clubs, who are starting a new project this year under coach Alessio Lisci.
In the position Santamaria vacates, Valencia currently have Pepelu, Guido Rodriguez and Aliou Dieng available, meaning his departure is unlikely to force an immediate incoming signing in central midfield, though the club will continue to monitor the market as pre-season progresses.
Santamaria's departure ends a difficult spell in Spain for the former Angers and Rennes midfielder, who arrived at Mestalla with a strong reputation built over several seasons in Ligue 1 and a brief stint in the Bundesliga with Freiburg. His playing time dried up steadily as the season wore on, and by the turn of the year he had already been informed he was not part of Corberan's first-team plans, opening the door to a January exit that ultimately did not materialise before being resolved this summer instead.
For PAOK, the free transfer represents a low-risk addition of proven European experience to a squad being rebuilt under Lisci, who arrives in Greece having previously worked in Spanish football. Santamaria will be expected to bring both leadership and midfield know-how to a club aiming to challenge nearer the top of the Greek Super League table next season.