Manchester United reportedly added Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde as a finalist for a potential signature for his January signature as Reuben Amorim is trying to bolster the midfield.
The move reported by Fichajes suggests that United will face tough competition with other big Premier League spenders: Tottenham and Chelsea, but Real Madrid is unlikely to leave without considerable persuasion.
Valverde is a midfielder in any round that can provide attractive traits, strength, ball carrying ability and tactical intelligence for clubs looking to upgrade their midfield, struggling to control their current game.
United’s midfield issues this season are well documented, with Bruno Fernandez being asked to operate more deeply in his dual challenge role, not in his natural position, and the team sometimes lacking the required balance and bite in the middle of the park.
Man United need helping hand for Fernandez
In theory, Valverde’s ability to quickly acquire the ball and get a shuttle between the lines could potentially allow Fernandez to get closer to the goal.
With United have players like Christian Eriksen leaving the club in the summer and current midfielder Casemiro wasn’t the same player as before, the club is ready to add midfield presence to the team during the January transfer period.
That said, the January approach will be complicated by several factors. First of all, it is no secret that Real Madrid stands in Valverde, he remains an important part of their team’s rotation, and Madrid is usually reluctant to sell major midfield assets unless the prices are incorrect and there is no substitute for their plans.
Plus United’s current recruitment strategy under Ir Jim Ratcliffe and the club’s preference for younger targets.
United are looking for a new midfielder
The Red Devils were interested in the moves of Brighton’s Carlos Valleva in the summer, allowing them to revisit future interests.
Finally, Valverde’s competition is not limited to United. The report names Tottenham and Chelsea as clubs comparable to United for the midfielder’s signature. So, even if Madrid entertains the offer, the bidding war in January escalates quickly and isn’t necessarily in United’s favor.
United probably faces intense competition and serious financial obstacles, and unless they are in a situation within Real Madrid or United’s own change of recruitment stance, Valverde looks more like the name of the list they’ll watch over than their winter signatures.
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