 As "Super Depor" came to fruition, he was sparingly used during his two-year spell with the Galicians, leaving at the age of 19.Only linked to the club with an amateur contract, he moved to Asturias and signed with Sporting de Gijón, with Deportivo president Augusto César Lendoiro proceeding to engage in a lengthy court battle, which was eventually resolved in the footballer's favour.After three seasons with Sporting, only starting in the latter as the team finished 15th in La Liga, Vales signed with fellow league side Real Zaragoza for 200 million "pesetas".