MU includes Valverde on their €114 million shopping list.
The Mirror: MU includes Federico Valverde on their 2026 list; Real values him at €114 million, MU expects €80 million; Amorim is reportedly very keen on this deal.
Manchester United have added Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde to their transfer target list, with a timeframe towards 2026. According to The Mirror, Real Madrid value the 27-year-old at €114 million, while MU expect to spend around €80 million.
Amorim wants to finalize the deal by 2026.
Numerous sources indicate that Ruben Amorim's team is pursuing a deal for Valverde. The Mirror confirms that the Uruguayan midfielder is on Man Utd's radar, and Amorim is described as a "die-hard fan" of the player, hoping to complete the transfer by 2026 to significantly upgrade the first-team squad.
Signals from Madrid and the valuation problem.
According to The Mirror, Valverde's future at Real Madrid is in question following a conflict with coach Xabi Alonso. Valverde's contract with Real Madrid runs until 2029, but his departure remains open if he receives a suitable offer from major European clubs. The current sticking point is the gap between Real Madrid's valuation of €114 million and Manchester United's expected €80 million.
Midfield restructuring plan
Valverde is the latest name on Manchester United's transfer list as the Old Trafford club plans a major overhaul of their midfield in 2026. According to sources, Casemiro is expected to leave the club when his current contract expires next summer. Kobbie Mainoo is also likely to depart after losing his place under Amorim.
Contingency plan
Besides Valverde, MU are reportedly monitoring:
- Adam Wharton
- Carlos Baleba
- Hugo Anderson
Meanwhile, former Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves has also been linked with a move to Old Trafford.
The negotiating picture
The €114 million price tag shows that Real Madrid are unwilling to lose a key player for less than their stated value, especially since Valverde's contract runs until 2029. Conversely, Manchester United's expectation of €80 million reflects a selective spending strategy and a need to balance the budget while rebuilding the squad. This gap could be a significant obstacle if the Red Devils don't raise their offer.
The deal, if expedited, would align with MU's personnel plan: parting ways with key players whose contracts are expiring and revamping the midfield as envisioned by Amorim. With replacement targets already identified, the club can be flexible in negotiations, but any further moves depend on developments between Valverde and Real Madrid, as well as the price stances of both sides.
This information has been reported by The Mirror and numerous other sources in recent days.