Manchester City is reportedly considering Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde as a potential replacement for injured midfielder Rodri. Rodri, who plays a pivotal role in Pep Guardiola’s lineup, is sidelined with an ACL injury that could keep him out for the rest of the season. City is keen to bolster their midfield to compensate for his absence and, according to sources like Fichajes, Valverde has emerged as an attractive target.
The 26-year-old Uruguayan is integral to Real Madrid’s setup, known for his versatility to play both centrally and on the wings, attributes that have drawn Guardiola’s interest. However, with Valverde’s contract containing a substantial €1 billion release clause, City would face a significant challenge in persuading Madrid to let him go. Real Madrid sees Valverde as a key asset in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad and has extended his contract multiple times, indicating they are not open to offers.
In addition to Valverde, Manchester City is reportedly exploring other midfield options. Sources close to TEAMtalk suggest City may also pursue Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, a promising young player who could serve as a long-term replacement for Rodri. They are also monitoring Inter Milan’s Hakan Calhanoglu, Nicolo Barella, Atalanta’s Ederson, and Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi.
Meanwhile, Guardiola faces growing speculation about his future, particularly following City’s rare four-game losing streak. Reports indicate that the Brazilian Football Association has reached out to Guardiola regarding a potential role with the national team, as he has previously expressed interest in transitioning to international management. Guardiola’s contract with City expires at the end of the season, but he may extend his stay by another year.
City is also reportedly keen on acquiring Bayer Leverkusen’s attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz, with a potential bid in 2025 that could reach £90 million. This competition could intensify as Bayern Munich, Liverpool, and Chelsea are all also linked to the young German star.
