Manchester United can sign rising Valencia star Javi Guerra for a bargain price of €40 million
An overhaul is needed at Manchester United despite the millions spent under Erik ten Hag and the latest name on the club’s radar is that of Valencia sensation Javi Guerra.
The 20-year-old came through the ranks at Villarreal before moving to Valencia in 2019. He initially earned his stripes in the Los Che B team before earning his senior debut in 2023. The Spaniard has swiftly developed into a reliable performer for Mista and continues to garner attention from some of Europe’s big hitters.
A defensive midfielder, he has caught the attention of the decision-makers at Old Trafford ahead of the 2024 summer transfer window. The specialist position in the middle of the park is one that needs addressing next summer given the English side’s options at the moment.
Why Guerra?
Sofyan Amrabat has been a decent addition but it remains to be seen if his loan deal will be made permanent. Casemiro, on the other hand, continues to struggle with injuries and given his advanced age, is not a long-term option.
Scott McTominay has been decent but has impressed in an attacking role rather than a defensive one this season. The lack of a reliable midfield enforcer has seen United get overrun in the middle of the park. Unless Ten Hag and Co can plug that gap, they will continue to set the pace against the best teams in England and abroad.
The Valencia star is far from a refined player and is still very much a work in progress. However, given his age and potential, the club will be well advised to make a quick move before his value skyrockets. Also just 20, Guerra more or less future proofs the position for a decade to come.
An opportunity to take advantage of
According to Fichajes, Guerra signed fresh terms last summer but his €100m release clause is unlikely to be strongly enforced by Valencia. The La Liga giants have fallen off their pedestal in recent years and financial difficulties could see them settle for a fee worth €40m for their star kid.
Italian giants Juventus are also keen on the player but are only offering around €25m for Guerra. It falls far below even the discounted asking price, more or less throwing a spanner in their plans. The onus will be on United to pay up and land the player. Given their performances of late, it would be negligent should they opt against future-proofing the roster in that role.