Real Madrid star linked with surprise move to Manchester City as Pep Guardiola seeks reinforcements: Reports
Real Madrid's Federico Valverde is one of Manchester City's transfer targets in the forthcoming January transfer window according to a report by Caughtoffside. Manchester City are reportedly preparing an €70 million offer for the midfielder.
Valverde is seen as a decent replacement for Rodri, who is set to miss the rest of the 2024-25 season due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury. In the last few weeks, Rodri's absence in Manchester City's midfield has been felt.
The Cityzens have lost four games in a row for the first time during Pep Guardiola's tenure. This has prompted the club hierarchy to go in search of a replacement for the Spaniard.
Valverde is an intuitive midfielder, and his work rate on the pitch is good. As regards versatility, he could feature primarily as a central midfielder. He could also feature as a right midfielder or right winger.
In the ongoing 2024-25 campaign, the Uruguayan has been impressive. He has scored two goals and registered two assists in 16 appearances for Los Blancos so far.
Valverde's current contract at Real Madrid expires in June 2029. This is an indication that he might not be a cheap option in the transfer market.
Manchester City are also interested in signing Real Madrid's Rodrygo - Reports
Manchester City are reportedly ready to submit a bid for Rodrygo, according to a report by Fichajes.net. The fee is reportedly in the region of €150 million, as Erling Haaland's future at Manchester City remains uncertain.
However, the Premier League titleholders will face some level of competition as Liverpool and Arsenal are also interested in Rodrygo. The 23-year-old is mainly a right winger, but he could also feature as a center-forward and left winger. This makes him a versatile attacking option.
Rodrygo has been decent this season, scoring three goals and registering two assists in 14 games for Los Blancos. The Brazilian is currently contracted at Real Madrid till June 2028. As such, Los Blancos might be unwilling to sell him if the offer on the table is not mouthwatering.