The Belgian's decision to snub Los Che after months of negotiations left the club's transfer department needing to rethink their options at the position on Tuesday, with the recruitment team turning back to their list of alternative full-backs. Among the names under consideration, French right-back Will Mikelbrencis stands out as a leading candidate.
German media reported several weeks ago that Valencia held an interest in the 23-year-old, though talks had not progressed beyond initial scouting at that stage, with the club instead prioritising Meunier and, as a secondary option, Andres Garcia.
Mikelbrencis has since emerged as one of the names on the shortlist following Tuesday's collapse, helped by his age, salary demands and, above all, his availability as a free transfer.
Valencia hold positive reports on the defender, though the club will now wait to see how the situation develops before making a formal move. Mikelbrencis spent his most recent seasons with German club Hamburg and has been a free agent since his contract expired in June 2026, with his profile fitting both the sporting and financial parameters the club is working within.
Another name under consideration is Almeria full-back Dajiro Chirino, who is understood to be head coach Carlos Corberan's preferred option behind Meunier. Chirino would represent the priority in terms of profile, but the fee Almeria would demand is currently viewed as unworkable given Valencia's financial position. The club had not budgeted to spend on the right-back position this summer, and with limited funds available, that constraint could ultimately tip the decision toward the cost-free option in Mikelbrencis, who is also understood to appeal to the club on sporting grounds.
No final decision has been made, with Valencia's technical area continuing to assess the situation as it develops in the coming days. The uncertainty leaves Corberan working without a clear first-choice option at right-back heading into the early stages of pre-season, a position the club had considered largely resolved before Meunier's late change of heart.