Federico Valverde, 27, is one player who, at the moment, cannot escape the gossip columns.
Fresh reports have linked him with a potential switch to Manchester United.
It has now emerged that United are prepared to table a tempting €100 million (£87.1 million) bid to prise him away from the Santiago Bernabeu next summer.
Ideally, Valverde is the sort of player one would expect Real Madrid to hold onto.
But he has not been at his best. His form has dipped, and there is noise that he is “not fully adapting to the positional style Xabi Alonso demands.”
Currently, Valverde cuts a frustrated figure at the Bernabeu, and the media scrutiny has not helped.
Kairat Almaty controversy
During Madrid’s recent Champions League clash with Kairat Almaty, it was revealed that Valverde refused to fill in at right-back, with both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal sidelined.
Furthermore, speculation swirled around a supposed rift with head coach Xabi Alonso, with claims that Valverde even declined to warm up with the rest of the reserves before the match, as required.
That Almaty flashpoint sparked fresh rumours of tension between Valverde and Alonso.
It prompted reports suggesting that United are now preparing a £69.7 million winter bid, an offer that INEOS believes could tempt the Spanish giants to cash in.
Statement dropped
While some saw an opening amid talk of a Valverde-Alonso fallout, the Uruguayan international stepped forward to clear the air, firmly dismissing speculation of a rift.
🚨🤍 OFFICIAL: Fede Valverde statement.
“I have read several articles damaging my reputation. I know I’ve had bad games, I’m aware of it. I’m not hiding, and I face the criticism head-on. I’m truly sad.
People can say many things about me, but under no circumstances can they… pic.twitter.com/zuC4hHoqiN
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 1, 2025
Days later, Alonso has also addressed the situation.
Alonso speaks
Speaking to the media on Friday via Sports Mole, he said:
“No one has ever told me they don’t want to play a position. Everyone wants to play, but no one has ever told me that. Everyone is very willing, and from there, I’ll be the one who decides. Let that be clear.”
He added:
“He’s ready for tomorrow. Good. All right, we should have all the players back tomorrow, including Valverde.”
When asked directly about Valverde allegedly refusing to take part in the pre-match warm-up like the other substitutes, Alonso responded:
“It’s something we like, which I think is good, because you have to be prepared for anything. I want everyone to participate.”
Where there is smoke…
Despite both parties denying a rift, the adage rings true: where there is smoke, there is fire.
Alonso’s emphasis on the importance of pre-match rondos, which Valverde clearly missed in Almaty, hints that the South American did not meet expectations.
The Almaty incident may be brushed aside as a non-issue, but sooner or later, a clearer picture of Valverde’s standing at Madrid will emerge.
United will surely be watching closely.
Valverde’s relentless energy, box-to-box dynamism, and versatility could prove transformative for the 20-time English champions, if they can secure his services.
Featured image Denis Doyle via Getty Images
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Daniel Onguko
Since Dan was introduced to Manchester United in 2008, he has lived and breathed the club. What started as being a fan evolved into writing about United, allowing him to feel part of their journey. Hopefully, his work might even help rekindle your love for the kings of Manchester.
