Manchester City, in the wake of Rodri’s long-term injury, have turned their attention to Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde as a potential replacement. According to reports from *Caught Offside*, City are prepared to offer €70 million for the 26-year-old Uruguayan in the upcoming January transfer window.
Midfield Woes at Manchester City
Pep Guardiola’s side has been struggling in recent weeks, enduring a four-match losing streak across all competitions—a first under his management. This downturn has left them trailing Liverpool by five points in the Premier League title race. The absence of Rodri, who is expected to miss the rest of the season, has exacerbated City’s midfield issues, prompting Guardiola to seek a reliable replacement.
While City have considered other options, including Hakan Calhanoglu from Inter Milan and Spain’s Martin Zubimendi, Valverde has emerged as a top target. His versatility and quality make him an ideal candidate to step into the role left vacant by Rodri.
Challenges in Signing Valverde
However, securing Valverde is unlikely to be straightforward. Real Madrid sees the midfielder as a key part of their squad and are reportedly unwilling to part with him for anything less than a substantial offer. Valverde’s release clause is set at €1 billion, making it clear that any transfer negotiations would require a significant premium.
Additionally, Madrid themselves are facing challenges and have little incentive to sell one of their most important players in the middle of the season. As a result, while City may push for Valverde’s signature, it is expected that Real Madrid will resist any approaches, especially at the €70 million price point.
Conclusion
Despite the challenges, Manchester City are expected to pursue Valverde aggressively should the opportunity arise. However, given Real Madrid’s stance, it seems unlikely that the Uruguayan will make a mid-season move, leaving Guardiola with the task of finding other midfield solutions as City look to recover from their recent slump.
