Manchester United ready to offer Kobbie Mainoo and €50 million in exchange for Real Madrid vice-captain: Report

Manchester United are open to giving Real Madrid their young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo and €50 million in exchange for their vice-captain Federico Valverde, a report has claimed. 

The report comes after it is almost confirmed that the Premier League side will need to spend more money next year to strengthen their midfield that seems to require reinforcements with Cameroonian Carlos Baleba said to be a priority target.

Real Madrid's Federico Valverde (in white) in action | Reutres

Interestingly, Mainoo is someone who has attracted the interest of Real Madrid in recent times while some Spanish tabloids have reportedly mentioned United's interest in Valverde. The 27-year-old Uruguay international has played as a right-back and right winger for Los Blancos in recent times when not operating in the midfield. He is a true workhorse for the Spanish giants and has become a darling of the crowd thanks to his readiness to bleed for the badge and technical superiority while being versatile. Valverde is also known for scoring spectacular screamers from out of the box that are almost always unstoppable even for the best goalkeepers.

Manchester United need midfielders

Central midfield has been a sore spot for Ruben Amorim thus far and that is the area of United’s squad that will receive heavy investment in 2026. Casemiro is unlikely to get a contract extensionand Manuel Ugarte is already on the “to sell” board. Bruno Fernandes is terrble at tracking back and defending while his attacking prowess keeps saving United time after time. Thus, it is necessary that the captain remains to deliver the number 10’s responsibility while letting others manage the more defensive jobs.

Academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo impressed the club higher-ups ever since breaking into the senior team but is not having the best relationship with gaffer Ruben Amorim. The Englishman had pushed hard for a season-long loan in the summer but nothing materialised. In August, reports had claimed that both Real and Atlético Madrid were interested in the 20-year-old.

According to Teamtalk, who broke the news of Manchester United proposing a swap deal with Real Madrid, it is almost certain that the 15-time European champions would not let their prized midfielder go for €50 million even if Mainoo is also offered. Valverde, whose current contract runs until 30 June 2029, is captain material for Los Blancos and that makes him stand out in an already abundantly skillful midfield.

Since making his senior debut in January 2023, the United academy graduate has made a total of 76 appearances for the club across all competitions, scoring 7 goals. He had a breakout season in 2023-2024, featuring in 32 matches and scoring 5 goals, including a memorable goal in the FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.