Transfer Scandal at Real Madrid: Manchester United Targets Federico Valverde
Uruguayan midfielder finds himself isolated after a conflict with Aurélien Tchouaméni. According to the press, Manchester United is ready to make an offer if Real Madrid decides to part ways with the player.
Main Event
A serious scandal is brewing at Real Madrid around midfielder Federico Valverde, who, after a conflict with teammate Aurélien Tchouaméni, has become isolated and is close to leaving the club. Manchester United is already preparing a transfer offer for the 27-year-old Uruguayan in the summer transfer window.
The conflict between the two key Real Madrid players erupted at the training ground in Valdebebas in early May 2026. During the scuffle, Valverde hit his head on a table, suffered a traumatic brain injury, and was rushed to the hospital. The club conducted an internal investigation and fined both players €500,000 (approximately £432,000) each.
Details and Statistics
According to Spanish journalist Ramón Álvarez de Mon, the conflict between the midfielders had a backstory. The first altercation occurred during training, and the second in the locker room. Valverde initiated the second fight, believing that Tchouaméni had leaked information about the first scuffle to the media. However, most teammates sided with the Frenchman, leaving the Uruguayan isolated.
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez made an unexpected statement at an emergency press conference on May 12, attempting to downplay the incident. "This is far from the first time a conflict has flared up between two players. This happens every season when emotions get the better of them. The only difference is that this time someone decided to make the information public, and we know who," Pérez said.
Pérez even added: "In my 26 years as president, I've seen this many times. In my history, this is the first time someone has talked about it. For me, the leak is worse than the fight."
The situation is exacerbated by several factors working against Valverde:
- Management's stance: The club is considering stripping the Uruguayan of his vice-captaincy.
- Teammates' opinions: Players recalled previous incidents involving Valverde — in particular, his punch to Alex Baena in the Bernabéu parking lot.
- Behavior during the season: Valverde publicly argued with former coach Xabi Alonso over his position on the field, was dropped from the lineup, and then refused to warm up before coming on as a substitute.
Federico Valverde has played 48 matches for Real Madrid in all competitions this season, scoring 9 goals and providing 13 assists. He was also included in the La Liga Team of the Season for 2025/26 alongside Kylian Mbappé, Tchouaméni, and Thibaut Courtois. The Uruguayan's contract with the Madrid club runs until 2029. His transfer value is estimated at €120 million.
Both players — Valverde and Tchouaméni — have issued public apologies. "We remain a family, with disagreements sometimes, but we must always put the goals above everything else," the Frenchman wrote on social media.
Context and Significance
This scandal could become the biggest internal upheaval at Real Madrid in recent years. The club, traditionally known for its discipline and locker room unity, has for the first time faced a situation where players are demanding the sale of one of its leaders.
Manchester United has reacted swiftly to the situation. The Red Devils, initially planning to strengthen their midfield with Tchouaméni, switched their focus to Valverde after the Frenchman firmly stated his desire to stay in Madrid. Daily Mirror chief reporter Jeremy Cross called the impending transfer an "unexpected raid" and claims that United will make an offer as soon as the transfer window opens.
Notably, the situation unfolds against the backdrop of José Mourinho's impending return to Real Madrid as head coach. According to sources, the Portuguese specialist may be the only person capable of stopping Valverde's sale if he deems it necessary to keep the Uruguayan in the squad.
In addition to Valverde, Real Madrid is considering parting ways with Camavinga, Ceballos, and García, and does not plan to extend the expiring contracts of Carvajal and Alaba.
What's Next / Next Match Preview
In the coming days, the fate of one of the brightest midfielders in world football will be decided. Valverde, sidelined for 10–14 days due to his head injury, will not play again this season. He missed the El Clásico against Barcelona on May 11 and will not help the team in the remaining La Liga matches.
The European transfer window opens in June 2026, and that is when a concrete offer from Manchester United is expected. The English club, having lost Casemiro (whose contract expires at the end of the season), is in dire need of reinforcement in the defensive midfield area and is ready to pay a sum close to Valverde's market value of €120 million.
Valverde himself has repeatedly called Real Madrid "the club of his dreams" and expressed a desire to stay, but pressure from teammates and the cold stance of the management make his departure increasingly likely. If President Florentino Pérez makes the final decision to put the player on the transfer list, a battle for the Uruguayan will ensue among several top Premier League clubs that have long shown interest in the footballer.
— Editorial Team
