From Ecuador to Old Trafford via Villarreal and Wigan - but can he fill Ronaldo's shoes...?
Having come to prominence during Ecuador’s Germany 2006 campaign, dashing right-winger Valencia was persuaded to move from Villarreal to the JJB by then Wigan boss Paul Jewell.
Though Valencia initially struggled to adapt to the tempo and physical nature of the Premiership, once he found his feet he developed into one of Wigan’s more consistent performers during the 2007-08 season, injecting a big dose of flair into an often predictable side.
Rumours of interest from Manchester United saw Steve Bruce issue what the tabloids love to call "a firm hands-off warning", and the manager has moved quickly to give the Ecuadorian a long-term contract.
However after another impressive showing in 2008/09, United came knocking again, this time with more purpose following the £80 million sale of Cristiano Ronaldo. And this time Dave Whelan relented.
Valencia may not be as glamorous or spectacular a player as Ronaldo, but he has the work rate and raw talent to win over the Manchester United fans in the same way as the Portuguese.