City have made an approach to Real Madrid over Federico Valverde, with the Uruguayan midfielder’s position in the Spanish capital looking less certain than at any point since his arrival.
According to journalist Miguel Serrano, relayed by Madrid Universal and first reported domestically by CityXtra, City have made contact with Real Madrid to establish the situation around the 27-year-old, though no formal written bid has been submitted. Madrid have set a baseline valuation of around €100m (£84m) and will only engage in talks should Valverde himself request an exit.
New Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho is understood to view Valverde as a future captain and has no intention of sanctioning a sale, which remains the most significant barrier to any City move materialising. Valverde has endured a difficult run of form domestically, and his club season was compounded by a group-stage exit with Uruguay at the World Cup.
City’s interest comes with midfield reinforcement a clear priority for Enzo Maresca this summer. The club has already completed a British transfer record £116m deal for Elliot Anderson, and the Valverde enquiry follows an approach in the opposite direction, with Real Madrid said to have offered Eduardo Camavinga to City earlier this month.
Nothing here suggests an imminent breakthrough — Real Madrid’s stance remains that Valverde is not for sale unless he pushes for the exit himself — but it points to City casting a wide net as Maresca reshapes his midfield options for the post-Guardiola era.
More to follow.
