Man Utd ready for stunning move on Real Madrid midfielder Valverde with £85m bid

Manchester United are reportedly preparing an £85 million bid for Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde as Ruben Amorim looks to make his mark on the Red Devils’ midfield this summer.

However, Real Madrid’s resolute stance suggests prising the Uruguayan star away from the Santiago Bernabeu will be no easy feat, with Carlo Ancelotti labeling him “irreplaceable” as recently as last August.

United’s interest in Valverde comes amid a dismal 2024-25 campaign that sees them languishing in 13th place in the Premier League with just 10 games left.

Amorim, who replaced Erik ten Hag in November, has identified midfield reinforcement as a top priority after a season plagued by inconsistency from the likes of Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, and the injury-prone Mason Mount.

Valverde, 26, is seen as the perfect blend of dynamism, work rate, and technical quality to anchor United’s engine room for years to come—a view echoed by former teammate Casemiro, who once hailed him as “one of the best number eights in football.”

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, United’s proposed £85 million offer reflects their belief that Valverde could be a cornerstone of Amorim’s rebuild.

The report claims the Old Trafford hierarchy views the three-time La Liga winner as a “strategic signing” to not only boost immediate performance but also lay a foundation for long-term success.

With Valverde’s contract running until 2029 and boasting a €1 billion (£830m) release clause, however, Real Madrid hold all the cards.

Sources close to the Spanish champions indicate they have no intention of entertaining offers for Valverde, who has been a linchpin in Ancelotti’s system.

The midfielder has featured in 32 matches this season, scoring four goals and providing six assists, while his versatility—able to play as a box-to-box No. 8, a defensive pivot, or even on the right flank—makes him a vital asset alongside Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga.

Ancelotti’s comments last year, calling Valverde “irreplaceable,” underline Madrid’s determination to retain him, especially with veterans Luka Modric and Toni Kroos nearing the end of their careers.

United’s pursuit isn’t new—they reportedly explored a move for Valverde in the summer of 2023 under Ten Hag, only to be rebuffed.

This time, Amorim’s familiarity with high-pressing systems and his track record at Sporting CP have fueled optimism that he could unlock Valverde’s full potential in the Premier League.

Casemiro, who played with Valverde at Madrid from 2016 to 2022, previously praised his former colleague’s “ability to shoot, work rate, and physicality,” suggesting he’d thrive in England’s top flight.

Yet the financial realities of Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) cast doubt on United’s ability to pull off such a deal without significant sales. Offloading Casemiro or even captain Bruno Fernandes—who’s been linked with a Saudi move—could free up funds, but even £85 million might not tempt Madrid.

Fichajes notes that while United see Valverde as a “key player” in their project, Madrid’s valuation could soar past £100 million if they’re forced to negotiate.

For United fans, the prospect of landing Valverde offers a glimmer of hope in a bleak season. But with Real Madrid’s stance unwavering and competition from other European giants lurking, Amorim’s dream signing remains a long shot. As one insider put it: “United are swinging big, but Madrid aren’t blinking.”