Manchester United keen on 22 year old La Liga star for midfield | OneFootball

Manchester United join race for Valencia midfielder as summer exit looms

Manchester United monitor Javi Guerra situation at Valencia

According to Fichajes, three major European clubs are circling Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra, with Manchester United among those monitoring his situation closely. The 21-year-old, once viewed as a cornerstone of Carlos Corberán’s project, has endured a difficult spell at Mestalla this season, and the Spanish club may be open to selling him for a reduced fee in the summer.

Last season, Guerra was Valencia’s midfield engine, combining physical drive with technical precision. However, this campaign has been far less convincing. His form has dipped, consistency has evaporated, and opportunities have become more limited. Within the club, discussions are reportedly underway about whether to cash in before his market value falls further.

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Despite being under contract until 2029 with a £86 million (€100 million) release clause, Valencia could consider offers in the region of £17-21 million (€20-25 million). It represents a remarkable potential discount for a player once seen as untouchable.

European interest intensifies

Atletico Madrid are believed to be one of the frontrunners, viewing Guerra as a cost-effective reinforcement who could bring energy and structure to their midfield. With Diego Simeone reshaping his squad, the Spanish giants believe they could secure Guerra’s services without paying an inflated sum. “He remains a player with room to grow, and that’s what appeals to Atlético,” a Spanish source told Fichajes.

In Italy, AC Milan have also entered the conversation. The Rossoneri reportedly see Guerra as a long-term option to evolve their midfield, and have already made informal contact regarding a move worth around €20 million. The club’s hierarchy admire his composure on the ball and believe his age and ceiling make him a smart acquisition.

However, it is Manchester United’s involvement that has caught attention. United’s recruitment team are planning for the long term, and Guerra is viewed as a potential project player capable of growing into Ruben Amorim’s high-tempo system. Sources claim United “see him as a versatile midfielder with box-to-box capabilities, adaptable to the Premier League’s intensity”.

Valencia’s dilemma and Guerra’s next step

For Valencia, the coming summer will bring a delicate balance between finances and footballing ambition. The club are no strangers to selling assets, and while they would prefer to rehabilitate Guerra’s form under Corberán, there is recognition that the timing might be right for a sale.

The player’s representatives, meanwhile, are weighing up options. Guerra is said to be open to testing himself abroad, with the Premier League and Serie A both appealing destinations. Still only 21, he remains highly regarded in Spain despite recent struggles.

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Fichajes reports that “the next transfer window will be key: if no club acts quickly, Valencia could hold him another year in hopes of restoring his value.”

That dynamic places Manchester United in a favourable position. The club have financial flexibility and a clear need for midfield depth, particularly as they seek long-term solutions beyond Casemiro and Ugarte. Whether they move in the summer or wait another year, Guerra’s name will stay on their radar.

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The link to Javi Guerra feels like one of those moves that could go under the radar but make sense long-term. Supporters have grown accustomed to marquee names, yet the squad’s real weakness lies in depth and balance. Guerra, at 21, represents a profile United often overlook: young, technically sound, and physically equipped for English football.

Fans will understand this as part of Ruben Amorim’s shift toward a more dynamic and self-sustaining model. Guerra’s energy and versatility could help reshape the midfield, especially with Casemiro nearing the twilight of his career. The potential £20 million fee makes it a relatively low-risk option compared to some of United’s recent transfer outlays.

There’s also intrigue about how Amorim might develop him. Guerra’s struggles in Spain could work in United’s favour, lowering expectations and allowing him time to adjust. Supporters would likely see him as one for the future, someone who can grow alongside the next generation rather than being burdened by immediate demands.

If United pull this off, it would show a rare degree of foresight, something fans have long wanted to see. A clever, calculated move rather than another panic buy.