Armoni Brooks Loaned to Valencia by Villeurbanne Amid Contract Funding Issues

Armoni Brooks, the guard who attracted interest from Maccabi Tel Aviv and Real Madrid, is set to be loaned to Valencia by French club Villeurbanne. This move comes after Villeurbanne faced difficulties financing the contract they had signed with Brooks. According to Spanish journalist Chema de Lucas, Brooks, who had a breakout season with Milan in 2025/26 averaging 13.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists, will join Valencia on loan and could potentially return to Villeurbanne for the 2027/28 season.

The loan deal is surprising as many in Europe expected Brooks to leave Villeurbanne permanently rather than on loan. Maccabi Tel Aviv had shown interest in signing Brooks, but concerns from the player and his family about Israel's security situation halted progress. Brooks, 28 years old and 1.94 meters tall, impressed with shooting percentages of 51.4% on two-pointers, 41.6% on three-pointers, and 82.4% from the free-throw line during his stellar season with Milan.

Villeurbanne surprised the EuroLeague by signing Brooks to a two-year contract worth approximately $2.5 million per season. However, before even playing for the French team, Brooks is now likely to continue his career in Spain with Valencia. This development marks a significant turn in the player's career trajectory and the club's roster plans.