Some of the biggest stars in the history of football have played for both Manchester United and Real Madrid. Santiago Bernabeu to Old Trafford has been the more popular route in recent times though, with Raphael Varane and Casemiro making the journey in back-to-back summer transfer windows.
And in recent months, rumours have suggested that Manchester United have their eyes set on another Real Madrid star in the form of Federico Valverde, who has been a nailed on starter in Carlo Ancelotti’s side this season.
The Uruguayan international had made a stunning start to the campaign and was in the conversation for being the best midfielder in the world for a period of time, when he was scoring from distance almost every week and his overall play was on a different level as well.
His form has dropped after the World Cup break, but Valverde is aiming to get back to his best and has his eyes on eventually becoming the Los Blancos captain, which is bad news for Manchester United’s hopes of signing him. As reported by Real Madrid’s official website, he said:
"“I was playing very well before the World Cup. I’m not at the same level now but that’s part of football, we’ll always have obstacles – I have to keep working hard and show the same attitude I had. That is going to help me return to where I want to be, to become captain of this club, which is what I’ve always wanted.”"
Manchester United target dreams of being Real Madrid captain
There have been rumours that Manchester United are willing to offer a transfer fee around €80 million in order to sign Valverde from Real Madrid. But that is not expected to be enough.
The thing is, Real Madrid are under no pressure to part ways with Valverde. He is just 24 years of age, a key member of the team and has many years left on his current deal, which runs until the summer of 2027.
Valverde has missed just one game this season for Real Madrid and expect him to remain at the club for the foreseeable future. Will he end up becoming the captain someday? Only time shall tell.