Manchester United are being linked with a sensational move for Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde - and while the prospect feels highly ambitious, insiders believe it does fit the direction of their transfer thinking.
Valverde has established himself as one of Madrid’s most reliable performers, a midfielder with the versatility to thrive in multiple positions.
United are prioritising reinforcements in the middle of the park when the January transfer window opens and are also expected to return for another central midfielder in the summer.
Quite how bold they can be on both fronts remains to be seen, but Valverde would certainly represent the highest calibre of target.
Speculation suggests that if Real Madrid were to pursue Kobbie Mainoo, United would raise the idea of Valverde moving in the opposite direction.
However, sources close to Madrid are adamant such a scenario is unlikely. Valverde is considered too important, too deeply embedded in the club after nearly a decade of development, to be allowed to leave.
Still, his profile underlines the type of player United may consider next.
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The club want to support Ruben Amorim in the market and are receptive to his calls for fresh midfield options.
But there is also an awareness that any signing must be adaptable enough to outlast managerial changes, given United cannot afford to build solely around one coach’s vision.
That explains why the shortlist remains fluid. Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton, Ederson and Morten Hjulmand are well-known targets, while new names continue to emerge - including Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Brentford’s Yehor Yarmolyuk.
Interestingly there are also some early whispers of them being interested in another Madrid player, too, in Eduardo Camavinga.
Across the two transfer windows United hope to sign two central midfielders, who would have contrasting styles that would add much needed depth and variety.
Valverde may ultimately prove beyond reach, but his combination of elite talent, reliability, and tactical flexibility embodies what United need to add to their squad.
United’s 2-1 win over Chelsea at Old Trafford has offered some stability at a crucial moment, but consistency will be vital now if they are to persuade elite future transfer targets that this project is truly heading in the right direction.
