Manchester City is reportedly preparing a €70 million offer for Real Madrid’s versatile midfielder Federico Valverde, aiming to bring him in during the January transfer window. Sources, including Caught Offside, report that City sees Valverde as a strong option to bolster their midfield, especially in light of recent injuries.
Rodri, an integral part of Pep Guardiola’s midfield setup, is currently sidelined with a season-ending injury, which has left the team struggling to find consistency in the middle of the field.
This situation has pushed the Premier League champions to search for suitable replacements to strengthen their lineup and address their weakened midfield.
Guardiola’s team has been experiencing a challenging period, having suffered a four-game losing streak across all competitions.
This streak includes a recent loss to Brighton & Hove Albion, which has further impacted City’s position in the Premier League standings, now trailing Liverpool by five points. Guardiola, a manager celebrated for his successful career, faces an unprecedented run of poor form, which highlights the urgency of reinforcing his squad.
While Manchester City has other players on their radar, Valverde stands out as an ideal candidate to enhance their tactical flexibility and competitiveness.
Aside from Valverde, Manchester City has been linked to a few other midfielders who might help fill the gap left by Rodri. Turkish international Hakan Calhanoglu has been one of the potential candidates identified, with a suggested price tag of €45 million.
Calhanoglu’s experience and style of play could offer City the creativity they need, although his age may be a consideration in Guardiola’s decision-making. Another option under consideration is Martin Zubimendi, a young talent viewed as a potential future leader in Spain’s national team and a promising prospect in central midfield. Additionally, City is monitoring Samuele Ricci, who may be available for transfer in January.
Despite City’s interest, Real Madrid is reportedly unwilling to part with Valverde, especially for the proposed €70 million offer. Valverde is highly valued at the club due to his versatility and ability to impact games on both ends of the pitch.
Real Madrid considers him a crucial asset, and his release clause is set at €1 billion, an indication of his significance within the team and the club’s intention to keep him long-term.
This enormous release clause makes it unlikely that any potential suitors, including Manchester City, will be able to secure his services for anything less.
Real Madrid’s reluctance to negotiate is also influenced by their own squad needs. The club faces its own challenges, particularly as they look to maintain their competitiveness in La Liga and European competitions.
Letting go of a key player like Valverde mid-season would be a significant risk for Real Madrid. Consequently, even with City’s strong interest and substantial offer, the prospect of Valverde moving to the Premier League appears slim, at least for the January window.
