Man United Poised To Spend £88m On 26-Year-Old Midfield Powerhouse From La Liga Giants

BACK Dylan Oakley Dec 2nd 2025 Man United are reportedly plotting a move to sign a La Liga midfielder for £88m, according to reports in Spain.  The Red Devils come off a fantastic result at the weekend, as they managed to beat Crystal Palace 2-1 to move up to seventh in the Premier League table. If they win during the week against West Ham United, they could climb into the top four places. However, heading into January, Ruben Amorim will be thinking about how he can improve his team for the second half of the season. The midfield position is a big area of concern, as United have been linked to signing several top targets. Wolves star Joao Gomes and Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson have both been linked with moves to Old Trafford, but it is unclear yet as to whether the Red Devils will make a move for them in January. So, who else could Man United sign at the position? Reports in Spain suggest a Real Madrid star. Man United plotting £88m move for Valverde According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Man United are planning an £88m bid for Real Madrid star midfielder Federico Valverde. The report says that United want to perform a similar coup to how they signed Casemiro in 2022. The report says that United are waiting for the slightest indication from Valverde that he is interested in a move to Old Trafford, and if so, it could spark negotiations with him and Madrid about a potential transfer move. The 26-year-old Uruguay international has made 13 La Liga appearances for Real Madrid this season, providing three assists. He plays as a defensive midfielder for Madrid, and would fit the mould of a defensive, but box-to-box type-player, which is exactly what the Red Devils are crying out for. It will likely be a tough deal to complete, with the £88m likely depending on United making a couple of player sales, so they can afford the 26-year-old. Furthermore, United can’t offer Champions League football yet, and so may have to offer Valverde a very attractive wage to tempt him to come to the North West. Click here to see Man United’s latest injury news.