Manchester United want a top midfielder, and they have many players on their list. They were looking to make a move for Carlos Baleba of Brighton & Hove Albion.
However, the move failed. Along with Baleba, they also have the likes of Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson, and Conor Gallagher on their list.
Now, they have added a Real Madrid midfielder to the list. But signing the player will not be easy for the Red Devils due to his huge price tag.
According to The Mirror, the Spanish giants have slapped a steep £100 million tag on Federico Valverde, sparking friction as both teams dig in their heels quietly off the pitch.
Valverde’s bond with Xabi Alonso has crumbled – so the midfielder is rethinking his path, even though he is signed till 2029. A few teammates are also unhappy with how Alonso runs things at Madrid.
Ruben Amorim rates Valverde extremely highly and would love to bring him to Old Trafford. United, however, believe his value sits closer to £70m.
It leaves both sides miles apart in their negotiations before talks have even begun. And the politics between the two clubs adds even more friction.
United and Real Madrid have a long history of failed or messy dealings, from the collapsed David De Gea transfer in 2015 to Sir Alex Ferguson once declaring he would not sell Real “a virus”.
Real also have Alonso dealing with separate tension involving Vinicius Jr as contract discussions continue to stall.
Even so, the manager insists he expected the challenges that come with such a demanding job.
For now, Valverde remains central to a growing storm, and both clubs know the situation could explode if the player decides he wants out.
🚨 𝗝𝗨𝗦𝗧 𝗜𝗡: Ruben Amorim is one of the biggest admirers of Federico Valverde and is very keen to bring him to Old Trafford.
However, Real Madrid officials have made it clear that if Valverde wants to leave, his price will be £100m.
— @MirrorFootball pic.twitter.com/INy0ztaWbc
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) December 1, 2025
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