Federico Valverde: Man United plan to exploit Real Madrid bust-up with new offer
Federico Valverde has emerged as a target for Manchester United following his public falling-out at Real Madrid, sources have told Football Insider.
The 27-year-old was involved in a bust-up with Aurelien Tchouameni which led to him being taken to hospital, and both players were handed €500,000 fines.
This came alongside a number of issues in the Real Madrid changing room, which has put clubs including United on alert that some of their elite players may become available.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Man United view Valverde as one of the best in the world in his position.
Alongside their attempts to bolster their midfield options this summer, Man United are making ambitious transfer plans, and could move to land the Real Madrid star.
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VISIT THE TRANSFER HUBCould Man United complete a deal for Federico Valverde?
Football Insider revealed last month that Real Madrid are reluctant to lose star players despite issues behind the scenes, in a blow to their rivals’ transfer plans.
However, issues behind the scenes at the Bernabeu are refusing to go away, and Man United are keeping close tabs on the situation in case Madrid’s stance changes.
| Federico Valverde | 2025-26 Stats |
| Appearances | 48 |
| Starts | 46 |
| Minutes Played | 4068 |
| Goals | 9 |
| Assists | 13 |
Valverde is widely considered as one of the best midfielders in the world, and the opportunity to bring him to Old Trafford could force United to act.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “If he’s allowed to leave Real Madrid and becomes available in the summer, most of Europe’s big clubs would be interested in Valverde.
“He’s one of the best midfielders in world football, there’s no doubt about that.
“There’s been lots going on at Real Madrid with this bust up with Tchouameni and everything else, so it’ll be interesting to see what does happen at Real in the summer.
“No surprise that Manchester United have been credited with an interest in Valverde.
“We all know they’re looking to improve their midfield options and they will be active in this window to bring in midfielders with Casemiro leaving.
“If he does become available, you’ll have a host of top clubs interested in Valverde, not just Manchester United.”
Man United set sights on Valverde’s Real Madrid teammate
Valverde is not the only Real Madrid star on Man United’s radar this summer, as their search for a new midfielder has forced them to assess multiple targets.
As a result, they have also been keeping tabs on Tchouameni’s situation following the bust-up, with the France international also potentially becoming available.
Former Old Trafford chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 11 May that Man United are interested in Tchouameni and could make a move this summer.
He has been on their radar since before the Real Madrid fallout, and they were put on alert after the news broke of the incident behind the scenes.
Should they be unable to land Valverde, Tchouameni could be seen as a more realistic target, but they are also aware of other clubs joining the race.
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