Manchester United and Real Madrid are locked in a tense standoff over the transfer of Federico Valverde.
The Real Madrid star has unexpectedly emerged as a target for Manchester United.
Valverde’s future at the La Liga giants hangs in the balance after a falling-out with Los Blancos manager Xabi Alonso. It is understood the Uruguayan international is one of several Real Madrid players unhappy with Alonso’s coaching style.
Valverde’s contract runs until 2029, but he is considering leaving the Spanish powerhouse unless his relationship with Alonso improves. Manchester United are among the clubs closely monitoring the situation.
Rúben Amorim is a huge admirer of Valverde and is eager to bring him to Old Trafford. However, Real Madrid’s hierarchy has made it clear that if Valverde wants to leave, his transfer fee will be £100 million.
Manchester United values the 27-year-old at around £70 million—a huge discrepancy over his valuation remains between the two clubs. Relations between Manchester United and Real Madrid have long been strained in the transfer market.
Alonso also clashed with Vinícius Júnior in his first few months in charge at the Bernabéu, at a time when the Brazilian was in a crucial phase of contract renewal talks.
Despite the various political factors, the former player-turned-manager insists that working at Real Madrid, while demanding, has not caught him off guard.
He said: “As I expected, it’s a very challenging job. Sometimes it requires concentration, sometimes quick reactions. But I’m enjoying every minute of it, enjoying everything this role entails.”
