Manchester United Striving to Land La Liga Midfield Prospect for £21.5m Amid Need for Reinforcements

After enduring a turbulent season under the weight of inconsistency and underwhelming results, Manchester United have begun a serious overhaul this summer—and the midfield appears to be a focal point. With manager Ruben Amorim now leading the charge, the Red Devils are looking to inject new life into the squad, especially in the engine room where performances waned dramatically last term.

According to several reputable sources, including Italian journalist Daniele Longo and transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United have zeroed in on Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra. The 22-year-old Spanish prospect has reportedly given the green light to a potential move to Old Trafford, setting the wheels in motion for what could be a crucial signing ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

Reports from Spain, particularly via outlet Fichajes, indicate that United are preparing an official bid in the region of €25 million (approximately £21.5 million) to secure Guerra’s services. The club’s hierarchy is said to be keen on wrapping up the deal quickly to avoid competition from other European sides who have been monitoring the player.

Guerra’s rise at Valencia has not gone unnoticed. Known for his dynamic presence in midfield, the youngster has impressed La Liga observers with his high work rate, ability to transition between defense and attack, and a knack for arriving in the box at the right moments. Last season, he notched three goals and three assists in 30 league appearances—an encouraging return for a midfielder still in the early stages of his professional career.

At United, the midfield has been an area of concern for some time. Casemiro, once the anchor of the squad, appeared to lose his edge last season. Sluggish performances, frequent bookings, and a general lack of pace in transition drew criticism from fans and pundits alike. With murmurs of a potential move to Saudi Arabia or even Brazil, the Brazilian’s future remains uncertain.

Meanwhile, Amorim’s trusted former protégé Manuel Ugarte—brought in to add steel and tactical discipline—has struggled to consistently assert himself in the Premier League. The Uruguayan has yet to deliver performances reminiscent of his Sporting Lisbon days and now faces mounting pressure to justify his price tag.

Mason Mount, one of United’s marquee signings from Chelsea, has barely managed to stay fit. Plagued by recurring injuries, the Englishman has been unable to build rhythm or establish his place in the starting XI. His absence has left a creative void in midfield, particularly in matches where Bruno Fernandes is closely marked or unavailable.

Fernandes, United’s captain and creative heartbeat, carried much of the burden last season. He remained one of the only consistent performers in a turbulent campaign and often found himself having to do too much—creating, scoring, and leading under intense pressure. Reinforcements around him are no longer a luxury but a necessity.

In this context, Javi Guerra emerges not just as a young talent but as a strategic acquisition. His ability to operate as a box-to-box midfielder offers United the flexibility they currently lack. Guerra can contribute defensively, link up play, and provide timely runs into the attacking third—qualities that would greatly complement Fernandes and potentially free him up to focus on creative duties.

Furthermore, United’s youth options in midfield remain either raw or untested at the highest level. While Kobbie Mainoo has generated excitement with his composure and maturity, expecting a teenager to shoulder the responsibilities of a seasoned playmaker is unrealistic. Toby Collyer, another promising talent, is yet to earn regular first-team minutes.

With the Premier League set to kick off in a matter of weeks, time is of the essence for Manchester United. Amorim and his recruitment team appear to be working with purpose. Should the deal for Javi Guerra go through, it will mark not only an investment in the future but a decisive move to solve an immediate problem that has long plagued United’s midfield balance.

Supporters will no doubt be eager to see how Guerra fits into the manager’s tactical plans. While expectations should be tempered for a player still developing, his arrival could mark the beginning of a more structured and energetic midfield setup—something the Old Trafford faithful have been yearning for since the days of Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick.

Whether this deal is the spark that reignites United’s midfield or just one piece of a larger rebuild, one thing is clear: the Red Devils can no longer afford to overlook the engine room. In Javi Guerra, they may have found the right mix of potential and readiness to begin that transfo