Report: Man United ‘planning’ £105m bid to sign world-class Real Madrid star | OneFootball

Man Utd Explore Ambitious Midfield Gamble as Madrid Caution Grows

Manchester United’s long term midfield planning has entered another intriguing phase following fresh claims from Spain linking the club with one of Real Madrid’s most decorated modern players. According to E Noticies, United are said to be preparing an offer worth more than €120m for a player described in the report as “a machine in midfield” and “one of the most dynamic and complete midfielders in world football”. Yet, as TeamTalk underline, the possibility of such a move reaching completion remains extremely slim.

United’s search for a major midfield addition in 2026 is already well documented. Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest is understood to be the leading internal target, with Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Joao Gomes also on the club’s longlist. The plan has been to identify a long term midfielder who fits the age profile, athletic demands and adaptability required for Ruben Amorim’s project.

Photo: IMAGO

But the suggestion that Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde might be open to leaving the Bernabeu has inevitably drawn attention. E Noticies claim United are “planning to submit an offer that would exceed €120million” in response to reports that the Uruguay international is “unhappy with Xabi Alonso”. Journalist Arancha Rodriguez has gone as far as stating Valverde is one of six Madrid players unsettled under the new manager.

Madrid’s Midfield Situation

Valverde’s history at Real Madrid provides important context. A three time La Liga champion and twice a Champions League winner, he has long been valued for his energy, versatility and tactical intelligence. Supporters have admired his willingness to fill roles across midfield and, at times, even at right back when injuries demanded it. Yet Alonso’s system has been demanding and Valverde’s impact has been reduced.

Photo IMAGO

TeamTalk highlight, however, that despite the noise in Spain, Madrid have not made “a definitive decision” on Valverde’s future and are “remaining cautious”. The same report insists there will be “no drastic moves in January”, and that any pathway out of the club would close quickly if his form improves.

United’s Chances Assessed

This is not the first time a link between United and Valverde has surfaced. Earlier stories in September even suggested United were ready to include Kobbie Mainoo in a deal. The response from TeamTalk’s transfer insider Dean Jones was emphatic.

Jones said: “There feels pretty much no chance Man Utd will sign Valverde, even as the noise grows that they want to. That’s the message I’m getting from people close to the Spanish end of this story.”

He added that Valverde “will not drop down a level to join Man Utd” and described any potential transfer as “too ambitious”. Madrid’s squad is in a markedly stronger position than United’s at present, and Valverde remains important to that structure.

With the season approaching its midpoint, there is little to suggest his view has changed. United admire the player but know the scale of the challenge involved.

Outlook for United’s Recruitment Strategy

United’s midfield rebuild in 2026 will ultimately be shaped by availability and realism. If Anderson, Wharton or Baleba are more feasible targets, the club may focus efforts there rather than pursue a headline move that Madrid show no interest in entertaining.

A long term rebuild demands patience, precision and acceptance of the competitive landscape. While Valverde fits the ideal profile, the route to signing him appears, for now, no more than speculative.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Manchester United supporters, this story sits somewhere between aspiration and frustration. The thought of signing a player as complete and durable as Valverde naturally sparks excitement. He brings intensity, leadership, versatility and experience at the highest level, attributes United have lacked in central midfield for several seasons. Fans know how transformative such a player could be.

But there is also realism. Supporters understand that Madrid are operating on a different competitive tier at present, competing consistently for La Liga titles and Champions League trophies. United’s pull remains strong globally, yet the footballing environment has shifted. A player engrained in Madrid’s core, with years spent defining their midfield, does not leave lightly.

There is also the club’s own planning to consider. United fans have grown weary of unrealistic pursuits that end without progress. Many would rather see well targeted moves for Anderson, Wharton or Baleba than another extended saga that leads nowhere. These are players who fit the club’s future rather than its past.

Still, the ambition behind the link resonates. Supporters want United to think boldly and to act decisively, especially in midfield where consistency and control have been lacking. Valverde may be unrealistic, but his profile is exactly what fans expect the club to pursue. Whether United can one day compete for such players again remains the real long term question.