Manchester City are reportedly ready to submit a €70 million offer to sign Federico Valverde in January, though Real Madrid are unlikely to consider parting with him.
Caught Offside reports that, with Pep Guardiola’s midfield facing challenges due to Rodri’s injury, the Premier League champions are exploring various options.
If Valverde, the 26-year-old Uruguayan midfielder, becomes available, City would likely make a serious attempt to acquire him.
Manchester City’s search for a midfielder
Manchester City’s recent struggles have been evident, as they endured a fourth consecutive defeat in all competitions, marking a first in Pep Guardiola’s distinguished career.
Their latest loss to Brighton & Hove Albion has left them five points behind Liverpool in the Premier League title race.
A major issue lies in their midfield, following Rodri’s season-ending injury, which has left Guardiola searching for solutions.
The January transfer window could offer an opportunity to address these challenges, with several potential targets under consideration.
City were informed they could acquire Hakan Calhanoglu for €45 million. The Turkish international could be a suitable fit for their style and requirements as a Rodri replacement.
However, due to Calhanoglu’s age, Guardiola is also assessing alternatives like Martin Zubimendi, who is positioned as the next choice for Rodri’s role in the Spain national team.
Samuele Ricci is another potential target, and City may pursue his signing before the January window. However, among all options, Federico Valverde is a standout, and City are particularly interested in the Real Madrid star.
Challenges in signing Federico Valverde
The report indicates that Manchester City are willing to make a €70 million bid for the 26-year-old midfielder in January.
However, Real Madrid considers Valverde integral to their squad and is unlikely to entertain any offers around €70 million. If Madrid were to consider letting him go, it would likely be for a significantly higher price, as Valverde has a €1 billion release clause.
Furthermore, Real Madrid currently faces challenges of their own and have no pressing need to sell Valverde. Consequently, even if Manchester City submits a €70 million bid, it is highly improbable that Valverde will leave Madrid in January.
