- Man City on the search for new midfielder
- Bid already launched to sign Elliot Anderson
- Real Madrid star is an alternative option
Manchester City have reportedly made a Real Madrid midfielder a ‘top target’ ahead of the summer transfer window.
Bernardo Silva has left Man City, opening up a position in the first-team which needs to be filled before the new campaign begins.
Elliot Anderson has remained the club’s primary transfer target, and Nottingham Forest have rejected Man City’s opening bid for the 23-year-old.
Enzo Fernandez’s name has also cropped up a few times. However, Sandro Tonali is City’s second choice if a deal cannot be agreed to sign Anderson.
Still, Rodri has not ruled out a Man City exit. If he does leave this summer, Enzo Maresca could be looking to bring in two new midfielders.
Man City could make an offer for Federico Valverde
According to Ekrem Konur, Man City are readying a bid for Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde, with the Uruguayan considered a ‘top target’.
The Citizens would be willing to invest roughly £78m, which is a smaller amount than Forest are demanding for Anderson.
🚨#ManchesterCity Manchester City are preparing a summer bid for Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde.
— Ekrem KONUR (@Ekremkonur) June 4, 2026
🔥 The 27‑year‑old Uruguay international has become a top target, with City ready to invest around €90M. https://t.co/GWd4dLYuKe pic.twitter.com/DaLzJ0gtUL
It is not known how much Real Madrid will demand for the 27-year-old, but he has a release clause upwards of £800m, and three years remaining on his contract.
Valverde tore Man City apart in the Champions League
Man City were single-handedly dismantled by Valverde a few months ago in Madrid, losing 3-0 at the Bernabeu.
The midfield maestro made the likes of Nico O’Reilly and Marc Guehi look helpless in defence, as his brilliance cost City their place in the Champions League.
And that was not just a one-off for Valverde. He registered nine goals and 13 assists, and wore the captain’s armband more often than not.
City will only sign Valverde if Rodri leaves
Valverde’s links with Man City ought to be taken with a pinch of salt, as this is the first time it has been mentioned.
Additionally, it has not been reported on by the biggest transfer experts or news outlets. This does not make the story untrue, but it would be a big commitment for City.
They are already looking to spend a lot of money on Anderson, and while Valverde would be cheaper, he is still expensive in the grand scheme of things.
Ultimately, it would seem unlikely for Man City to table a bid for Valverde, unless Rodri follows Silva out the door.
The Sky Blues need a new midfielder, but signing two first-team starters is only necessary if Rodri decides to push for an exit.
