Man City eyeing Real Madrid star for £58m transfer in January, Carlo Ancelotti said he’s ‘irreplaceable’

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Manchester City tend to be quite measured in the transfer market — regardless of the circumstances at hand and target the summer window as one to bolster their squad.

Even in the 2019/2020 season where Pep Guardiola’s side lost the Premier League title to Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side, they chose not to make any signings in January.

But on Monday, a claim has emerged stating that Manchester City back themselves to sign Martin Zubimendi in the winter transfer window — with Guardiola expected to sit with the senior figures at the club to hash out their plans in the January market.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	LiverpoolLiverpool	11	9	1	1	21	6	15	28
2	Man CityManchester City	11	7	2	2	22	13	9	23
3	ChelseaChelsea	11	5	4	2	21	13	8	19
4	ArsenalArsenal	11	5	4	2	18	12	6	19
5	Nottm ForestNottingham Forest	11	5	4	2	15	10	5	19
6	BrightonBrighton	11	5	4	2	19	15	4	19

So far, Manchester City are still firmly in the title race and can count themselves in the running to become the champions of England a staggering fifth consecutive time.

But Liverpool are showing no signs of struggling to adapt under Arne Slot after spending nearly a decade under Jurgen Klopp’s stewardship while Arsenal are only four points behind City.

Manchester City view the January transfer window as one that will only prompt them to loosen their purse strings in case they discover a player who is far too good to miss out on and until then, the club remains composed and content with their squad.

Man City plotting Federico Valverde January transfer

In the winter window, the best of the best players tend not to be available as clubs are unwilling to sell them during a crucial part of their seasons.

But Aymeric Laporte’s transfer from Athletic Bilbao to the Etihad Stadium in 2018 was an example of how the Premier League champions can operate in January if the right player is on the market.

It has been reported by Caught Offside, Manchester City are prepared to make a marquee signing in the middle of the park to replace the injured Rodri and the name they are targeting is Federico Valverde in January.

City are believed to be willing to offer as much as €70 million (£58 million) to sign Valverde.

It has been claimed that considering the 26-year-old’s release clause is worth €1 billion (£829 million), Real Madrid would value him at higher fee than £58 million.

However, Los Blancos naturally would not wish to sell the Uruguayan in January, who is one of their most important players.

With Valverde playing more minutes than any other player at the club in all competitions, his importance to the side cannot be undermined.

In August, Carlo Ancelotti named Valverde as the rightful heir to Toni Kroos’ throne while describing him as an “irreplaceable player.”

Ancelotti said via Real Madrid’s official website: “He is still improving, he shows a lot more character and he has a lot more responsibility in the team now. He’s an irreplaceable player thanks to his quality, his strength and his intelligence. We’re lucky to have him. When [Toni] Kroos left the club, I think he chose the perfect player to replace him.”

When does Valverde’s Real Madrid contract expire?

The 26-year-old has been one of Los Blancos’ most dependable players for players.

Even last season, Valverde scored a stunning equaliser for the Spanish giants in their dramatic 3-3 draw against City in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals at the Santiago Bernabeu.

As Manchester City are seemingly chasing his signature, it is key to note that the versatile midfielder extended his contract at Real Madrid until 2029 last September.

Manchester City would find it extremely difficult to convince both the player and Real Madrid to part ways in January.

The Montevideo-born dynamo is currently in the prime of his career and has the experience of winning every possible trophy in club football as well.

It goes without saying that a world-class midfielder like Valverde would be a welcome addition to City’s squad in January.