Manchester City are reportedly interested in signing a Real Madrid midfielder but that move appears unlikely | OneFootball

As the January transfer window looms over the horizon Manchester City does appear in need of another midfielder. The loss of Rodri for the season has robbed Pep Guardiola’s side of their most important player. To date, a host of midfielders have been linked with a potential move to the world champions. Now, a new report suggests that Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde is the latest player Manchester City is interested in signing. But for me, as good as a player as Valverde is I can’t see that move ever materialising.

Mark Brus has reported for CaughtOffside that Manchester City could be set to make a move for Federico Valverde in January. Furthermore, Brus reports that City could offer up to €70 million for the Real Madrid midfielder. It is included in Brus’ report that Real Madrid would be reluctant to sell one of their key players in January.

Federico Valverde is a brilliant player but I cannot see him moving from Real Madrid to Manchester City.

There is no doubting the quality Federico Valverde possesses as a player. The Uruguayan international is one of Real Madrid’s most important players. While players such as Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham get the plaudits, they wouldn’t be able to shine without the work that Valverde does in midfield.

Valverde is a workhorse in midfield and does all the necessary work required for Real Madrid’s big-name players to shine. I’d argue that Valverde was Real Madrid’s most important player in their UEFA Champions League quarter-final win over Manchester City last season. It was his goal that saw the first leg finish 3-all at the Bernabeu. He played well across both legs last season. His quality was evident last season and has been across his time with Real Madrid.

It’s for that reason I can’t see Real Madrid selling Federico Valverde. He’s too vital to the way they play. There’s no doubt that Valverde would immediately add quality to Manchester City’s midfield. Understandably, City would be interested in signing the Uruguayan international. But it is unlikely that Real Madrid would contemplate letting him leave.

The idea of Federico Valverde playing for Manchester City is a mouth-watering one. He would immediately add energy and quality to Manchester City’s midfield. But it doesn’t appear to be a realistic move at this stage. It does appear unlikely that it ever will be. For me, Manchester City will have to focus on other targets in January to strengthen their midfield.