In a downward spiral since Rodri’s terrible injury, Manchester City want to sign a defensive midfielder in January. Pep Guardiola’s English club have reportedly targeted a Real Madrid star. But Florentino Perez’s answer is clear: €830 million or nothing.
Manchester City are ready to go head-to-head with Real Madrid to secure the services of Federico Valverde. But Florentino Pérez has no intention of letting the Uruguayan slip away so easily. With a price tag of €830 million, Real Madrid are determined to keep this key player in their squad. This astronomical sum, a release clause imposed by Real Madrid, positions Valverde as the club’s most intransferable player and would, if he left, make him the most expensive transfer in the history of football.
Federico Valverde, nicknamed ‘the man with three lungs’ for his stamina and versatility, has become a key figure in Real Madrid’s midfield under Carlo Ancelotti. His qualities, both defensive and attacking, make him a unique player who is difficult to replace. For Florentino Pérez, losing Valverde would be a major strategic loss, particularly to a direct rival like Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola’s club, looking to strengthen following Rodri’s injury, see Valverde as the ideal successor to dictate the pace at the heart of their midfield. However, the offer of €830 million, imposed as an ultimatum by Madrid’s leaders, would dissuade even the most audacious.
Manchester City finally on Martín Zubimendi?
By setting Valverde’s clause so high, Real Madrid is leaving little room for negotiation. According to Spanish media outlet RealMadridÚnico, this decision reflects a categorical refusal to negotiate any transfer. For Florentino Pérez, this stratospheric sum serves above all to rule out any outside pretensions.
While Manchester City, under Pep Guardiola, are looking for a quality replacement for Rodri, the other options on the market appear to be more affordable. The name of Real Sociedad midfielder Martín Zubimendi is circulating in the wings. Less expensive and more affordable in transfer terms, the Spanish player could meet City’s immediate needs without compromising the colossal budget Valverde would require.
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